Dinosaur Stomping Grounds Trailhead
Near Moab, Utah
Dinosaur Stomping Grounds Trailhead does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
Located in the Klondike Bluffs area north of Moab, the Dinosaur Stomping Grounds Trailhead leads to an extensive tracksite featuring over 2,000 dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone. The well-marked, family-friendly trail is about three miles round trip with 433 feet of elevation gain, gradually climbing through slickrock and washes before reaching the site. Interpretive signage, cairns (rock stacks), and painted blazes guide visitors along the route, which parallels a bike path before branching toward the tracks. Sweeping desert and mountain vistas frame this exceptional glimpse into prehistoric life, making it a popular spot for photography.
The tracksite spans roughly two acres and is preserved in the Moab Member of the Curtis Formation from the Late Jurassic period, about 160 million years ago. It contains thousands of three-toed Megalosauripus footprints attributed to carnivorous theropods such as Dilophosaurus, revealing evidence of repeated passage across an ancient landscape. These fossils provide valuable insight into dinosaur movement and behavior, including layered trackways that indicate widespread activity. Interpretive signs highlight the scientific significance of this “megatracksite” and stress the importance of protecting these irreplaceable resources.
Hours and Seasons
Open year-round. Summer temperatures can be extreme with no shade; plan visits for early morning or evening.
Features and Services
- Access and Parking: A gravel parking lot is available at the trailhead. High-clearance vehicles are recommended; four-wheel drive is advised in wet conditions, though most passenger vehicles can reach the site when dry.
- Cell Service: Service is limited and may be inconsistent; do not rely on a dependable signal.
- Toilets: None available on-site.
- Drinking Water: No water is available on-site; please bring your own.
- Pets: Pets are allowed on leash. Please keep them off the dinosaur tracks to prevent damage.
- Camping: Overnight camping is prohibited at the trailhead and tracksite. Visit Moab Information Center for nearby public and private camping options.
- Nearby Attractions and Amenities: The town of Moab offers food, gas, lodging, and medical facilities. Recreational opportunities abound – visit the Moab Information Center webpage and facility for details.
Respect and Protect
Dinosaur tracks and bones are amazing to experience. You may look and gently touch but remember, these fossils are very fragile and irreplaceable, so, avoid walking on, scraping, or marking them. By practicing responsible outdoor ethics, you help ensure future visitors can enjoy this remarkable site.
