Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks
Walk in the footsteps of giants at Warner Valley, where ancient dinosaur tracks are preserved in stunning red rock landscapes. A free, adventurous nat...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer track visibility
Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks
Best Time
Clearer track visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk in the footsteps of giants at Warner Valley, where ancient dinosaur tracks are preserved in stunning red rock landscapes. A free, adventurous natural wonder.
"Worth the drive and short walk to see real dinosaur tracks left so long ago!"
🚗 Dirt Road Preparedness
An SUV or off-road vehicle is best for the 20-min dirt road. Standard cars may struggle. :car:
💧 Check River Levels
Higher river levels can obscure tracks. Visit when the riverbed is dry for best viewing. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Dinosaur Footprints
Warner Valley
Walk in the footsteps of giants! See hundreds of fossilized tracks from early theropods and other species, approximately 190 million years old.
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Scenic Red Rock Landscape
Warner Valley
Experience the stunning beauty of Southern Utah's red rock formations and desert scenery, perfect for exploration and photography.
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Off-Roading Adventures
Warner Valley
Explore the rugged terrain on motorcycles, ATVs, or other off-road vehicles, with numerous trails and hills to discover.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Dirt Road
Timing is Key for Tracks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Dirt Road Preparedness
An SUV or off-road vehicle is best for the 20-min dirt road. Standard cars may struggle. :car:
💧 Check River Levels
Higher river levels can obscure tracks. Visit when the riverbed is dry for best viewing. :droplet:
🗺️ Navigation is Key
Use GPS coordinates or specific directions, as signage can be limited.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this natural wonder without an admission fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Dirt Road Preparedness
An SUV or off-road vehicle is best for the 20-min dirt road. Standard cars may struggle. :car:
💧 Check River Levels
Higher river levels can obscure tracks. Visit when the riverbed is dry for best viewing. :droplet:
🗺️ Navigation is Key
Use GPS coordinates or specific directions, as signage can be limited.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this natural wonder without an admission fee.
🥾 Easy Hike
The walk from the parking area to the tracks is short and manageable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks to be an incredible and beautiful natural wonder, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric times. The tracks are vivid and the surrounding scenery is stunning, making the drive on dirt roads worthwhile for many. However, some note that the road can be challenging for standard vehicles, and the actual viewing of the tracks is brief.
"What an incredible and beautiful place to go. Beginner friendly. Beautiful scenery, the dino tracks are so vivid. If you're out and can do dirt roads, it's a must do."
Krissy Lawrence
"Very cool. Worth the drive and short walk. It takes your mind to a strange place looking at something that was left in mud so long ago."
Trubs (Trubs)
"Be prepared to take a drive down a dirt road. Next you take a short walk and then you can start exploring real a dinosaur tracks! Absolutely worth the drive!"
Tiffany M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks are located about 30 minutes outside of St. George, Utah. You'll need to take Washington Fields Rd to SR7 and continue east where it turns into a dirt road. The drive on the dirt road is approximately 20 minutes and is best navigated with an SUV or off-road vehicle. +1
No, the road leading to the Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks is a dirt road for a significant portion of the journey. It's recommended to have a vehicle with good ground clearance, like an SUV or off-road vehicle, to navigate it safely.
Yes, you can use GPS coordinates or search for 'Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks' on both Apple and Google Maps. However, be aware that cell service can be spotty, so downloading offline maps is a good idea.
An SUV, ATV, UTV, or other off-road vehicle is highly recommended for the dirt road portion of the drive to the Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks. Some visitors have reported standard vehicles getting stuck.
Signage can be limited in the area, so it's best to rely on GPS coordinates and pre-downloaded maps. Following directions carefully is advised to avoid getting lost or stuck.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks is completely free! It's a great budget-friendly outdoor activity for families and adventurers.
The Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks are an outdoor natural site and are accessible at any time. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and better viewing conditions.
No advance booking or tickets are required to visit the Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks, as it is a free, open-access natural site.
While there are no specific entry restrictions, visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and avoid touching or damaging the fossilized tracks.
Yes, camping is permitted in the Warner Valley area, and it's free. There are no facilities like water or electricity, but fire rings are often available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The actual viewing of the dinosaur tracks is quite quick, often only requiring a few minutes. The main time commitment is the drive to and from the location.
The walk from the parking area to the dinosaur tracks is described as a short and easy hike, making it accessible for most visitors.
The tracks in Warner Valley were left by early theropods and other species that roamed the area approximately 190 million years ago during the Jurassic period.
Yes, the red sandstone in Warner Valley preserves hundreds of dinosaur tracks and 23 trackways, offering a clear glimpse into prehistoric life.
Warner Valley offers opportunities for off-roading, exploring trails, enjoying scenic views, and visiting other nearby attractions like Glitter Mountain. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the colors of the red rock landscape and the tracks. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert scenery, while a macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the intricate track details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The dinosaur tracks themselves are the main subject, but the surrounding red rock formations and desert vistas offer numerous picturesque spots for photography.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current FAA and local regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Besides the dinosaur tracks, photographers often capture the unique red rock formations, desert sunsets, and the rugged off-roading trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a great way to introduce kids to paleontology and the natural history of the region in a fun, hands-on way. Tips for Families: Ensure you have a suitable vehicle for the dirt road access, pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day. The off-roading opportunities in the wider Warner Valley area can also be an exciting addition for adventurous families with the right equipment.
🚗 Budget Travelers & Adventurers
The primary cost will be related to transportation, especially if you need to rent a vehicle suitable for dirt roads. For adventurers, Warner Valley offers ample opportunities for exploration beyond the tracks. The extensive off-road trails provide a playground for dirt biking and ATV enthusiasts.
+1 Camping is also free in the area, making it an ideal spot for those looking for an immersive outdoor experience without breaking the bank. 📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
The unique geological formations and the vast desert scenery create a dramatic and inspiring environment. +1Nature lovers will appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of the area. The opportunity to connect with prehistoric history by viewing the tracks, combined with the expansive desert vistas, offers a profound sense of place and wonder.
Remember to bring your wide-angle and macro lenses to capture both the grand scale and the intricate details of this unique location. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Dirt Road
While some reviewers have managed with full-size pickups, others have found the route nearly impassable, suggesting that the 'best' route might not always be the most accessible.
Key takeaway: Prioritize vehicle suitability and navigation tools to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this remote natural wonder.
Understanding the Dinosaur Tracks
+1 Over 400 tracks and 23 distinct trackways have been identified, offering a detailed look at the locomotion of these ancient creatures. These fossilized footprints were made by early theropods, the group of dinosaurs that includes iconic species like Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as other dinosaur species.
The clarity of the tracks allows visitors to visualize the size and gait of these animals, providing a tangible connection to a world long past. It's a unique opportunity to literally walk in the footsteps of giants and ponder the immense timescale of Earth's history. Important Note: While the tracks are a natural wonder, it's crucial to observe them respectfully. Avoid touching or stepping directly on the fossilized prints to help preserve them for future generations.
Exploring Warner Valley Beyond the Tracks
+1 The rugged terrain and varied landscape offer exciting challenges and scenic routes for enthusiasts. Beyond the thrill of off-roading, the valley boasts stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the dramatic red rock formations, expansive desert vistas, and breathtaking sunsets, particularly the vibrant purple hues often seen in the evening sky.
For those interested in other historical aspects, there are also mentions of other historic hikes in the vicinity, though specific details may require further local inquiry. Pro Tip: If you're planning an off-road adventure, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and you have appropriate safety gear. The remote nature of the valley means self-sufficiency is key.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit