Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway
Discover ancient dinosaur footprints on a scenic hike to a beautiful reservoir, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Utah.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient dinosaur footprints on a scenic hike to a beautiful reservoir, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Utah.
"The dinosaur tracks are cool once you get there. The trail felt longer than a 0.9 mile one way hike."
🎯 Stay on Trail
Follow marked paths to avoid getting lost and protect fragile tracks. :hiking_boot:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The 1.7-mile hike can be challenging; pack essentials for energy and hydration. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Tracks
Near the reservoir shoreline
Discover ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in rock, a thrilling glimpse into prehistoric Utah.
Scenic Reservoir Views
End of the trail
Enjoy beautiful vistas of the reservoir, a perfect spot for a picnic or to cool off.
Unique Rock Formations
Along the trail
Hike through stunning, colorful rock formations that add to the adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Navigation & Conditions
Protecting the Tracks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Help me plan a road trip for my dinosaur obsessed 9 year old
🎯 Stay on Trail
Follow marked paths to avoid getting lost and protect fragile tracks. :hiking_boot:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The 1.7-mile hike can be challenging; pack essentials for energy and hydration. :water_wave:
Just another roadside attraction in Utah. Fossilized Dinosaur footprint.
[Question] Seeking recommendations for Dinosaur attractions in Utah
🦟 Bug Spray Recommended
Mosquitoes can be irritating near the water, especially in summer. :bug:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain, sand, and rock require good hiking footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Found a dinosaur footprint on our hike in Utah
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Stay on Trail
Follow marked paths to avoid getting lost and protect fragile tracks. :hiking_boot:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The 1.7-mile hike can be challenging; pack essentials for energy and hydration. :water_wave:
🦟 Bug Spray Recommended
Mosquitoes can be irritating near the water, especially in summer. :bug:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain, sand, and rock require good hiking footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🗑️ Pack Out Trash
Help preserve the site by taking all your waste with you. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway for its impressive dinosaur tracks and scenic reservoir views, making it a hit with families. However, some hikers note that the trail can be challenging to navigate due to infrequent markers and uneven terrain. Concerns about litter and potential vandalism at the track site have also been raised by some visitors.
"The dinosaur tracks are cool once you get there. The trail felt longer than a 0.9 mile one way hike. Elevation is up and down across uneven surfaces, sand, and bare rock. Many opportunities to get lost due to inadequate trail markers at some points where there are multiple ways one could walk. I'm an experienced hiker, but I did get lost for about 30 minutes. I was able to regain the trail by looking for specific shoe prints from a group of hikers I passed on the way back. I hope my tracks did not confuse them on their return trip.
Trail markers need to be more frequently placed so that each marker can be seen from the previous one."
Tim Lang
"Excellent trail through beautiful rock formations. A little climbing, but easy and fun for the kids. Beautiful lake at the end - good spot for lunch, soaking the feet and spotting dinosaur tracks.
Great fun!"
Alexander Fischer
"we spent the previous day and a half in Dinosaur National Monument, so when we saw a sign pointing to dinosaur tracks, as we headed north towards Fossil National Monument, we turned around to check it out. A short drive on a paved road lead to the Dino track parking area with a very nice, new looking covered interpretative kiosk, vault toilets and donation box. Our excitement to see dino tracks was soon interrupted by overturned trail signs and trash on the trail. When we arrived at the track site near the shoreline of the reservoir, there was a large group of kids playing and sunbathing there, and a second family arrived to swim shortly after, giving the impression that the area is more of a local swimming hole than a dino track site. Around the site were freshly broken cobble stones and shattered pieces of the formation that the tracks were laid in. We’re not saying that the people we saw enjoying a hot day in the water were responsible for the vandalism, but it might be fair to suggest a different trail be used for beach and cliff jumping shoreline access to help preserve the dino tracks from thrown rocks, and protect the surrounding wildlife from discarded pizza and juice box trash, especially since BLM put the effort into such a nice dinosaur interpretative area."
In We Go
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trackway is located near Vernal, Utah. A short drive on a paved road leads to the parking area with an interpretive kiosk and vault toilets.
Yes, the road leading to the dinosaur track parking area is paved, making it easily accessible.
From Vernal, head north. Look for signs pointing to the dinosaur tracks. The drive is straightforward and leads directly to the trailhead.
Yes, a regular car is sufficient as the access road is paved.
No, Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway is a separate site, though it's often visited in conjunction with Dinosaur National Monument due to its proximity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a donation box at the trailhead, but no formal tickets are required for entry to the trackway itself.
The trackway is generally accessible during daylight hours, as it is an outdoor natural site.
While there isn't a strict entrance fee, donations are encouraged to help maintain the site.
Yes, the trackway is accessible year-round, though weather conditions may affect trail accessibility in winter.
Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing the tracks or surrounding environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is approximately 1.7 miles round trip, with about 260 feet of elevation gain.
The trail involves uneven surfaces, sand, and some climbing, making it moderately challenging for some.
Some visitors report that trail markers can be inadequate at points, increasing the risk of getting lost.
You can see various dinosaur tracks preserved in the rock formations near the reservoir.
Yes, it's considered great fun for kids who love dinosaurs, with a manageable trail length.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the trackway. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, the area near the reservoir is a beautiful spot for a picnic lunch.
Vernal offers various dining options, from fast food to local restaurants, before or after your visit.
There are no potable water sources at the trackway; bring all the water you'll need.
Yes, the reservoir is a popular spot for swimming and cooling off, especially in warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ancient tracks, the unique rock formations, and the scenic views of the reservoir.
The tracks are visible in the rock, but some may be covered by debris. Look closely for the best shots.
Morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful illumination for the rock formations and tracks.
Drone usage regulations can vary; it's best to check with local BLM (Bureau of Land Management) guidelines before flying.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for the landscape and a macro lens if you want to focus on track details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Dinosaur-Obsessed Kids
Pro-tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the trail. Also, consider bug spray for the summer months when mosquitoes can be bothersome near the water.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Consider this: While the hike is relatively short, the terrain can be uneven, so wear appropriate footwear. It’s also wise to check the weather and bring essentials like water and sun protection. The combination of dinosaur tracks, scenic reservoir views, and interesting rock formations makes it a memorable stop on any itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Red Fleet Trail
Despite the navigation challenges, the trail offers a scenic journey through beautiful rock formations. The payoff at the end is the chance to see well-preserved dinosaur tracks near the shoreline of the reservoir. This makes the hike a rewarding experience for dinosaur enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the terrain can be challenging for unprepared feet.
Preserving the Paleontological Treasures
It's crucial for all visitors to act as stewards of this natural wonder. This means strictly adhering to marked trails to avoid stepping on or disturbing the tracks. Furthermore, practicing Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, including food scraps and wrappers, is essential.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit