Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trailhead Interpretive Site
Near Moab, Utah
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trailhead Interpretive Site 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
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone and Track Interpretive Sites, located just north of Moab, offer visitors two unique paleontological experiences. The tracksite is accessible via a short boardwalk with interpretive signs and showcases over 200 Early Cretaceous dinosaur footprints from a variety of species, including theropods, sauropods, ornithopods, ankylosaurs, birds, and even crocodilians. About a mile farther down the road, the Bone Trail features fossilized dinosaur bones still embedded in rock along a self-guided, family-friendly path with educational panels. Both sites are set against striking desert scenery, making them ideal for learning and photography.
Discovered in 2009, the Mill Canyon tracksite preserves more than 200 footprints in the Early Cretaceous mudstone of the Cedar Mountain Formation, dating to about 112 million years ago. These trace fossils, labeled Megalosauripus and other ichnotaxa, record the movements of a diverse Mesozoic fauna. The Bone Trail exposes in-situ dinosaur bones from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation, approximately 150 million years old, including species such as Allosaurus and Camarasaurus. Interpretive signage explains the geology, species represented, and the legal protections in place to conserve these irreplaceable resources.
Hours and Seasons
Open year-round. Summer heat can be extreme with little shade; plan visits for early morning or evening.
Features and Services
- Access and Parking: A gravel parking area is available near the trailhead, accessible by most vehicles. High-clearance or four-wheel drive may be beneficial in wet conditions.
- 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 tracks and fossils to prevent damage.
- Camping: Overnight camping is available at Courthouse Rock Campground located at the trailhead to the tracksite. Visit Moab Information Center for other nearby public and private camping options.
- Nearby Attractions and Amenities: Moab (15 miles south) offers food, fuel, lodging, and medical services. Recreational opportunities abound – visit the Moab Information Center webpage and facility for details.
Respect and Protect
Dinosaur tracks and bones are amazing to experience. These fossils are very fragile and irreplaceable. Please stay on the trail and leave the fossils in place for future visitors to enjoy. By practicing responsible outdoor ethics, you help ensure future visitors can enjoy this remarkable site.
