Vernal is a city in Uintah County, Utah, United States. The population was 7,714 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Uintah County. The city's Vernal-Uintah County Airport has scheduled air service to Denver provided by Great Lakes Aviation. Service is subsidized by the Essential Air Service program. Vernal is one of the largest cities in the United States without a railway. One was proposed in the past, with a railway station being built. There is still a railway approximately 60 miles away from city limits. Railways are used for coal being delivered to the power plant and the transportation of gilsonite, a former major part of the economy in the area. The area is in a fossil fuel boom, bringing great amounts of economy to the area. Shopping centers and commercial districts are currently under construction. The Uintah Gateway Mall and the Vernal Towne center will offer the Vernal area with substantial shopping opportunities. Currently there are a number of hotels under construction, including two Marriott chain hotels, a LaQuinta, and others.