Dinosaur Tracks, Museums and Hikes

Dinosaur Museums and Hikes

Introduction

Paleontologists have made an astonishing discovery in the Moab area, unearthing a remarkable collection of dinosaur remains nestled within its ancient rock formations. This region boasts one of the most remarkable records of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures found anywhere in the country.

The Moab area provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, as rocks from the Mesozoic Era are exceptionally well-preserved and easily accessible. This era, spanning approximately 252 million to 66 million years ago, can be divided into three distinct periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It is towards the end of the Triassic period that dinosaurs make their appearance in our area.

Southeastern Utah, with its rich fossil record, offers an abundant supply of bones and remarkable tracks that have been beautifully preserved within the sedimentary layers dating back to the Mesozoic age. The Moab region, in particular, stands out for its exceptional collection of dinosaur fossils. Not only do we find the mighty reptilian dinosaurs, but also their avian counterparts, as birds themselves are classified as reptiles under the Archosauria group, also known as the “ruling reptiles.” Additionally, this area includes the remains of fascinating creatures such as pterosaurs, commonly referred to as “winged lizards,” and crocodilians.

In summary, the Moab area is a true treasure trove for paleontologists, offering a wealth of dinosaur fossils and other ancient remains. Its unique geological features and the abundant fossil record spanning millions of years make it one of the most significant sites in the country for uncovering the mysteries of the Mesozoic Era and the fascinating creatures that once roamed our planet.

Did You Know?

First Utah Dinosaur Discovery

The first dinosaur discovery in Utah happened in 1859 (coincidentally, this was fifty years to the day prior to the discovery of the first bones found at the site later known as Dinosaur National Monument).

Moab Dinosaur Discoveries

Many dinosaurs have been found around Moab, including a small carnivorous dinosaur from the Triassic, a large Camarasaurus from the Jurassic, a gigantic Brontosaurus also from the Jurassic, and Cretaceous dinosaurs such as Utahraptor and Gastonia.

Museum of Moab

The Museum of Moab features a full cast skeleton of Gastonia, one of the armored dinosaurs that lived in this area during the Early Cretaceous. Also, as of 2014-5, crews from the Museum of Moab and the Natural History Museum of Utah have been working at the site of a Dystrophaeus viaemalae, the geologically oldest sauropod dinosaur in North America.

Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park

The Moab Giants features a half-mile-long trail with more than 130, state-of-the-art, full size reconstructions of dinosaurs and the tracks they made in the area.

Moab’s Dinosaur Trails

There are numerous tracksites in the Moab area, such as the Mill Canyon Tracksite shown here, where you can get a glimpse of an era when huge creatures roamed the earth. This tracksite is a short walk with interpretive panels along the trail and boardwalk. Each panel describes unique dinosaur tracks that can be seen at this site, including eight different types of dinosaurs, along with a crocodile resting trace. (See below for location information.)

Moab’s Dinosaur Tracks

Dinosaur tracks are also very abundant around Moab. Tracks of dinosaurs of Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous age occur all around the area at sites including the Dinosaur Stomping Grounds, Mill Canyon, Poison Spider, Copper Ridge, Willow Springs, and Hell’s Revenge tracksites, to name just a few. There are also many tracks of non-dinosaurs. Interestingly, track evidence of ancient crocodiles is found at tracksites north of Arches National Park, in a uranium mine near the La Sal Mountains, and at the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite. Pterosaur track fossils are common in the region and are highlighted in the museum at Moab Giants. Finally, tracks of proto-mammals occur at many sites in the Navajo Sandstone in our area, in deposits that represent ancient sand dunes.

A World Class Dino-Record

Many dinosaurs have been found around Moab, including: a small carnivorous dinosaur from the Triassic north of town; a large Camarasaurus from the Jurassic, found south of town and on display at the Museum of Moab; a gigantic Brontosaurus also from the Jurassic, found just a few miles north of Moab and on display at the Museum of Paleontology at Brigham Young University; Cretaceous dinosaurs from just north of town such as Utahraptor (life-size model at Moab Giants) and Gastonia (cast skeleton on display at the Museum of Moab). The record of dinosaurs and other ancient animals in the Moab area is, as you will see, one of the best in the country.

Essential Equipment Checklist

Drinking Water – This is a high desert environment. During the hot months bring one gallon per person, per day.

Food – Eating at intervals provides an opportunity to rest and also provides the energy needed to complete the trail.

Good Footwear – Lightweight hikers or running shoes with rubbery soles are adequate for most hikes

Sun Protection – Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses

Day Pack

Route Map or Trail Guide

First-Aid Kit

Insect Repellent

Cool Season Hikes – Long Pants, Sweater or Coat, Gloves, Hat

Biological Soil Crust

Help to keep all of our trails open. Protect this fragile, but crucial, soil by remaining on designated roads, routes and trails at all times.

Biological soil crust, also known as cryptobiotic soil, is the foundation of desert plant life. This black, knobby crust is made up of many different living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the desert ecosystem. However, this sensitive soil is extremely fragile and can take decades to grow. Even a footstep can damage the crust for decades, having lasting impacts on the desert environment. Please stay on the trials. Help to protect this fragile life by remaining on designated roads, routes, and trails at all times. Where hiking trails are not established, hike in sandy washes or on bare rock.

Dinosaur Sites Near Moab

Paleosafari Moab Giants

Intersection of Highways 191 and 313,
11 miles north of downtown Moab.
GPS: 38.671768, -109.686812
( 435) 355-0288
www.moabgiants.com

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is the first of its kind world-wide! Not only is it set among some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery in Moab, it is also a unique experience of the ages. You will journey back through time with a 3D cinema introducing you into the prehistoric world. There you get to make your own tracks alongside state-of the art life-size dinosaurs! You get to roam the extraordinary landscape they called home, as evidenced by the huge concentration of fossilized tracks found all around the area. The Tracks Museum is full of entertainment with interactive learning touch screens, games to play, and visually stunning exhibits that not only fascinate, but educate. It’s the ultimate place to discover the past with the modern conveniences and cutting edge technology that feel like the future.

The perfect balance of adventure and science, Moab Giants has been the realization of a dream for both our dinosaur park enthusiasts, as well as our world renowned scientists. They have special expertise in the field of fossil footprints and a deep knowledge of the paleontology of the region. Moab Giants has been actively engaged for many years in research, public education and exhibits and they are dedicated to being an educational and scientific resource for visitors from the local community, region, nation and the world, but not without some extreme fun along the way! It is Moab Giant’s mission to explore the beauty, adventure and scientific mysteries of the Moab area and share them with the world.”

Attractions

Plan to experience Moab Giants in its entirety by visiting all the attractions we have to offer. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Our exhibits include both indoor and outdoor experiences. Explore the park on your own and at your own pace, or participate in a more in-depth guided tour. Either way you will want to be sure you don’t miss a thing.

The Museum – The indoor exhibits use interactive, cutting edge technology to highlight stories about fossil footprints and their impact on dinosaur science and geology. These exhibits also include insights into the history and prehistory of the Moab area, and windows into Moab Giant’s research labs, show-casing research activity in the community and region. They also have some hands on exhibits that let you experiment for yourself how tracks are made and fossilized.
The 3D Theater – Experience the magic of the creation and early history of our Earth through 3D cinema. Visitors get the full effect of prehistoric life in 3D before being introduced into the open landscape where things really come to life.
The Trail – Here you will travel in time along a half-mile-long trail with more than 130, state-of-the-art, full size reconstructions of dinosaurs and the tracks they made in the area. Children and adults alike can walk with the dinosaurs and enjoy a Mesozoic adventure blended with a relaxed outing into the desert landscape with its beautiful backdrop of dinosaur-bearing rock formations.
The 5D Paleoaquarium – After your walk through the desert with the dinosaurs on land you will have the unique opportunity to cool off in the paleoaquarium. Enjoy the ambiance as you stroll past eight different 3D screens giving you a realistic view into ancient life under the sea. Your time in the aquarium will end in the 5D room with an all-encompassing experience you are sure not to forget!
The Playground and “Dig it Out” Areas -The kids will love this hands on dinosaur-themed playground for guests only. The playground includes rock climbing, web equipment, swings, slides and more! Climb inside T-Rex’s enormous mouth full of teeth and try your hand at paleontology and discovery by exploring their camp uncovering the dinosaur bones beneath the sand!
The Cafe – Plan to drop in to the Moab Giants Cafe for breakfast, lunch and tasty treats! The unique menu provides local favorites as well as dishes from around the world and are unlike any other in Moab. Everyone is sure to find something to satisfy their appetite. The menu is full of delicious food with names to contribute to your prehistoric adventure! It is sure to not disappoint!
The Gift Shop – Stop by the gift shop on your way out for a Moab Giants branded souvenir. Enjoy a large selection of gifts including dinosaur toys and models of all kinds, fashionable custom designed apparel for all ages, and everything in between.