Dinosaur Trackway Trailhead | Utah

Located in the Uinta Basin north of Vernal, the Dinosaur Trackway Trailhead provides access to a well-preserved Jurassic-age tracksite where multiple dinosaur footprints are exposed in Nugget Sandstone. These tracks, dating back 180 million years, include three-toed impressions attributed to carnivorous theropods, offering rare insight into dinosaur locomotion and behavior.  

The easy-to-moderate, family-friendly trail is about one mile round trip, marked with cairns and interpretive signage, and crosses sandy and rocky terrain to reach the tracksite. Visitors can observe numerous tracks and enjoy sweeping views of surrounding mesas and distant mountains. The adjacent Red Fleet and McCoy Flats Trail Systems offer additional superb recreational opportunities for mountain bikers.

Hours and Seasons

Open year-round. Summer temperatures can be extreme with little shade; plan visits for early morning or evening.

Features and Services

• Access and Parking: A small gravel parking area is available at the trailhead. High-clearance vehicles are recommended; four-wheel drive may be necessary in wet conditions.
• Cell Service: Limited and unreliable; do not depend on a signal.
• Toilets: None available on-site.
• Drinking Water: No water is available; bring your own supply.
• Pets: Pets are allowed on leash. Keep them off the tracksite to prevent damage.
• Camping: Overnight camping is prohibited at the trailhead and tracksite, but primitive, dispersed camping is permitted on adjacent BLM lands. Please check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property.  
• Nearby Attractions and Amenities: Vernal offers food, fuel, lodging, and medical facilities. Explore Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum for additional paleontology experiences.

Respect and Protect

Dinosaur tracks are irreplaceable fossils. Look and gently touch, but avoid scraping, marking, or walking directly on them. Practicing responsible outdoor ethics ensures these resources remain for future generations.