Dinosaur Hunting in Southern Utah

Once Awsumb heard there were some easy dinosaur fossils and tracks to see he was pumped for the adventure.  So we cut Day 2 in Arches short to make it to these before sunset.  These trails are just a mile or so off the road about 15 miles from Moab. 

Let me know if you would like more information about exactly how to get to these trails. 
Click below for PDF Map and Directions
MILL CANYON DINOSAUR TRAIL

On the way to the dino fossils we learned

 that our car is an SUV, not and ORV! 

I can't be too mad at Kenneth,

much of this drive was through dry riverbeds

full of slippery sand and rock.

Do not attempt during or after rain. 

This actual walking trail also leaves a little

 to be desired as it is a bit rough (see above).

It takes a minute to understand what to look for

Read the signs and before you know it your discovering unmarked fossils! 

Camarasaurus Leg Bones 

Camarasaurus Leg Bone close up 

Sauropod Foot Bone 

Sauropod Rib and Shoulder Blade - Yum? 

Sauropod Tail Bones 

up close 

Sauropod Vertebrae 

There are also a few other gems along this trail:

including the sign warning you to avoid exposure to hantavirus!

What you can't see is that at the time you are standing on a narrow ledge

 and might be temped to lean into this nest... yuck!

Pack Rats - The Original Hoarders!

Fossilized Wood 

You can even see the rings from the tree 

The mouth of Mills Canyon 

 The Old Copper Mill

Ruins

 Because this group of fossils wasn't worth digging up
 for display they have been left for our discovery.
 Free to the public it is our job to preserve such places.
I know my son would love to visit along with his own children one day.

Can you see the removed fossil?

Copper Ridge Sauopod Dinosaur Trackway

Click here for MAP

If arriving from the South (Moab),

the turn-off is 23 miles north of Moab on State Road 191.

Turn east at mile post 148.7.

The turn-off to the Dinosaur tracks is on the east side of State Road 191. 

Cross the railroad tracks and follow the signs 2 miles down a dirt road to a parking area. 

The tracks are 100 yards up the hill to the east. 

The dirt road is suitable for passenger cars.  

Avoid this road when it is wet.

 

This was a much nicer road (dirt road, but flat and obvious)

with a short hike up this hill:

There are 5 different dino tracks in the immediate area.

And not just one track,

you can follow a handful at a time to see the dino in motion!

How cool is that!?!

These two are obvious Camaraurus (big ones)

Allosaurus (smaller one with pointy toes)

Kenneth read they were easier to see and photograph if you pour water on them.

And some have been marked by previous visitors.

Awsumb found lots of little lizards 

Well son, time to head back to Salt Lake City

Years ago I wanted to take Awsumb to Vernal to see this great museum built over a huge dinosaur that was 1/2 exposed... Turns out the buildings were closed as they are not earthquake proof and the ground has been declared unstable.  A trip to all the way out to Vernal just didn't seem worth it. 

BUT, I have since heard they are open again! 

 It's amazing how different the landscape is across America.

 

Don't forget to get your
DINOSAUR HUNTING LICENSE

If you live in Utah and haven't taken your children to Southern Utah, what are you waiting for?  There are so many beautiful parks including Bryce, Zions, Canyonlands and Arches.