Dinosaur Tracks in Moab and Where to Find Them
Moab isn't just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts; it's a portal to the ancient past. With its incredibly preserved dinosaur tracks, Moab provides a glimpse into a time when giants wandered the Earth millions of years ago. Moab's ruggedly beautiful landscapes, carved and shaped over eons, hold some of the most extraordinary evidence of prehistoric life in the U.S. This guide invites you to explore the best places to see dinosaur tracks in Moab, promising an adventure that captivates the imagination of all ages.
Moab’s Dinosaur Trails
Discover Moab's ancient dinosaur footprints at numerous dinosaur track sites, where your adventure can lead you down dusty trails or across elevated boardwalks, allowing you to choose the path that best suits your adventurous spirit.
Dinosaur Tracks Trail
Distance: 0.2 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
A perfect introduction to the prehistoric wonders of Moab, this trail offers a quick yet fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. The journey to see these tracks, imprinted on a boulder face above the Colorado River, is short and sweet, making it ideal for families.
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Dive deep into the realm of ancient giants with the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, one of the first dinosaur tracksites discovered in North America. This easy walk features interpretive panels that breathe life into the stories of the eight different dinosaur species that once roamed here and left more than 200 tracks and traces behind. With a raised boardwalk trail to protect the tracks, this site is accessible and preserves precious fossils for future generations.
Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Track Trail
Distance: 0.2-mile lollipop
Difficulty: Easy
For those seeking both beauty and intrigue, the Bull Canyon Overlook offers an extraordinary view accompanied by the thrill of discovering ancient tracks. These tracks look as if a winged dinosaur ran off the edge of the existing cliff 200 million years ago before taking flight. Make an afternoon out of driving to the site along the scenic La Sal Loop Road to enjoy vistas of Castle Valley and the La Sal Mountains.
Dinosaur Stomping Grounds
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Step into a scene from the late Jurassic period at the Dinosaur Stomping Grounds. This site is home to over 2,300 tracks across two acres, offering a vast look at the daily lives of three-toed predator dinosaurs. The moderate hike, offering a gradual uphill slope, is an adventure in itself—presenting a unique blend of natural beauty and scientific wonder.
Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracksite
Distance: 0.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Located along the scenic Colorado River 15 miles north of Moab, the Poison Spider Tracksite is an accessible treasure trove of dinosaur footprints. With informative plaques and additional attractions like petroglyphs, it's a site that combines history, science, and art in one short hike. It’s easily accessed from Potash Road with a large parking lot, a designated trail, and bathrooms onsite. There are two prominent tracksites to see, and if you continue to the top of the hill, you’ll see ancient petroglyphs on display.
Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracksite
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Situated in the Klonzo Mountain Biking Area about 12 miles north of Moab, Willow Springs offers track discovery between the Houdini and Midway trailheads. and at the end of the trail connecting the Midway and Carousel trails. There are three other popular trackways in the Klondike Bluffs Area–Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackway, the Dinosaur Stomping Ground, and along the Klondike Bluffs Road–encouraging more exploration in search of different tracks.
Note: Make sure to visit responsibly. Do not touch the fossils, tracks, or petroglyphs to preserve their delicate state for present and future generations.
Off-Road Adventure
Hell’s Revenge Safari
Embark on a thrilling Hell’s Revenge Safari, where an exhilarating 4x4 tour will sweep you across Moab's iconic slickrock landscape. This adventure is not just about the rush of navigating steep climbs, breathtaking views, and heart-pounding obstacles; it's also a journey back in time. As you begin your expedition, you’ll soon spot dinosaur tracks, adding a prehistoric dimension to your adventure. It's an experience where the thrill of off-roading meets the awe of natural history, making for an unforgettable adventure right from the start.
Book a Sunset Hummer Safari for an unforgettable trip through the backcountry during the best time of day. Add this adventure to your stay at ULUM Moab .
Museums in Moab
Whether you're a history buff, a dinosaur enthusiast, or just looking for a cool way to spend the day, these museums located in the heart of Moab have got you covered.
Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park
The Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park is the first of its kind. Here, you're invited to explore a half-mile trail dotted with over 130 life-sized dinosaur reconstructions set against the stunning backdrop of Moab's natural beauty. This immersive experience transports you into the ancient world of these magnificent creatures, allowing you to walk alongside their tracks and interact with displays that bring prehistoric times to life. Beyond the trail, the Moab Giants are at the forefront of research, enriching your visit with insights from the cutting edge of science. Dive into the past with the 3D Theater, marvel at the creatures of the deep in the 5D Paleoaquarium, unearth discoveries in the playground dig area, and enjoy the amenities of a cafe and gift shop for an adventure into the heart of history.
Museum of Moab
This charming cultural and natural history museum brings the rich tapestry of Moab and the greater Canyonlands area to life. With a captivating mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, this museum dives into the fascinating geology, the lives of the area's first human inhabitants, and the intriguing world of prehistoric fossils. It's your ticket to journeying back in time, offering a glimpse into the ancient days of this spectacular region.
Where to Stay
Just 25 miles from downtown, ULUM Moab blends luxury and comfort with the great outdoors—offering an idyllic base camp for your adventures. This exceptional outdoor resort features upscale, safari-inspired Suite Tents with king-size beds, plush linens, ensuite bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, evaporative coolers, and private decks, as well as a full-service restaurant, three dipping pools, and so much more. At ULUM Moab, you’ll discover a breathtaking desert retreat like no other.
