(Photo credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Moab looks like Mars, so you might expect to find aliens out here, but you’re far more likely to find the remnants of dinosaurs! Along with the ancient petroglyphs and rock art, you can find all over Moabs beautiful red cliffs, you can also spot dinosaur tracks. 

There are a few places in Moab, all within a short drive of town, where you can see the footprints of these ancient animals that once covered our landscapes.

Looking at these ancient prints it is easy to imagine the landscape covered in herds of dinosaurs. These places help us connect to our planet’s history and bring wonder and mystery back into our lives. This is a great outdoor activity for kids and adults alike!

Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracksite

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)

The Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracksite is a beautiful short hike right along the Colorado River, and easily accessible from Potash Road. There is a large parking lot, a designated trail, and bathrooms on site. Please stay on trail and do your best to Leave No Trace while you enjoy these fascinating dinosaur tracks. There are two prominent sites to see dinosaur tracks, with a descriptive plaque for both. If you continue hiking to the top of the hill, there are also very intricate petroglyphs to view! Please do not touch either the dinosaur tracks or the petroglyphs, as they are incredibly delicate. 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Getting There

From Moab, head north on Highway 191 and turn left onto Potash Road. Drive until you see the Sign for Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracksite. 

GPS Coordinates 38.533477, -109.608048

Hiking Distance 

From the parking lot, it is less than a quarter-mile to the tracksite. You can see the site from the car if you really squint! However, the trail is fairly steep and requires some sturdy hiking shoes. Not recommended for people with disabilities or the elderly. 

Bathrooms

Yes! There is a bathroom on site.

Difficulty 

Easy/Moderate. The tracksite is easily accessible but could be challenging to some to approach directly. Bring sturdy shoes and be prepared to scramble!

Bull Canyon Overlook Interpretive Site

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

The Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Tracksite is one of the more beautiful places to view dinosaur tracks. The tracks are located up near the La Sal mountains, and have a breathtaking view of Bull Canyon. 

There are several dinosaur tracks that can be seen as you walk a meandering trail, maintained by the forest service. The tracks are incredibly clear, but please do not touch, as they are delicate. The view can not be overstated either! Driving to this site can take most of an afternoon, as you drive for a long time along La Sal Loop Road to access the tracks. However, I highly recommend making a day of it and enjoying the beautiful views of Castle Valley and the La Sals as well!  

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Getting There

From Moab, drive North on 191 until you reach Highway 128 (also known as River Road). Take this road until you hit La Sal Loop Road, follow La Sal Loop Road until it meets with Dolores Triangle Safari Rte. The tracksite will be on your left. 

It is also possible to reach the tracksite via the La Sal Loop road heading South of town. This would allow you to drive through the La Sals before ending up at the tracksite, making for a beautiful and enjoyable afternoon drive.

GPS Coordinates 38.615758, -109.223632

Hiking Distance 

None. The tracksite is several feet away from the parking lot. 

Bathrooms

Yes!

Difficulty 

Very Easy

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite has some of the first dinosaur tracks ever discovered in North America! Quite exciting! This site is full of different types of dinosaur tracks, showcasing a watering hole that many different types of dinosaurs came to drink at. There are informational plaques and a gazebo with more interesting facts about this site and its importance. If you have a dinosaur enthusiast in your midst, this is a must-see!

There is a raised platform built into this site so that visitors may enjoy the view without damaging the tracks. Please do not attempt to go down towards the tracks as they are very susceptible to damage. 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Getting There

From Moab, drive North on 191 until you get to Mill Canyon Road on the left-hand side of the road. From there, drive about 1 mile until you see a large parking lot on the right, park here, and walk a short distance to the marked tracksite.

If you’d like to see even more dinosaur tracks, and petrified bones, continue on down the Mill Canyon Road another mile and park at the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail.

GPS Coordinates 38.720610, -109.733955

Hiking Distance 

Less than 1 mile. Sandals can be worn for this one!

Bathrooms

Yes

Difficulty

Very Easy

Come see the Dinosaur Tracks for yourself!

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

The whimsy of seeing real dinosaur tracks up close is enough to boggle the mind of even the most skeptical tourist. Dinosaur tracksites like the Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracksite, the Bull Canyon Overlook site, and the Mill Canyon Tracksite, bring to mind a time before humans, and the massive ecosystem that used to make up our planet. We are still a young species, and one day it may be our footprints in the mud that some future species studies. 

It is both humbling, and awe-inspiring to think about the past in this way. We encourage everyone, both kids and adults, to take some time out of your day and check out these cool dinosaur track sites.