Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracks Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 20–30 minutes
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Best Season: Year-round
Overview
The Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracks Trail is one of Moab’s most family-friendly adventures—a short, easy hike that takes you back more than 160 million years. Just north of Arches National Park, this quick stop along Willow Springs Road features several well-preserved dinosaur trackways left behind in the Jurassic sandstone. If you’ve ever wanted to stand exactly where dinosaurs once walked, this is your chance.
Getting There
From downtown Moab, drive north on US-191 for about 11 miles and turn right onto Willow Springs Road (a dirt road that’s usually passable by most vehicles in dry weather). Follow this road for about 0.6 miles until you see a small pullout and interpretive sign. Parking is informal but easy—just be sure to leave space for other vehicles.
Coordinates: 38.6885° N, 109.6861° W
If you continue down Willow Springs Road, you’ll eventually reach a back entrance to Arches National Park, but the dinosaur tracks are located before that point.
Trail Description
From the parking area, the trail crosses open slickrock and desert sand. There isn’t much elevation gain, but you’ll want to watch your footing on uneven rock surfaces. Within just a few minutes, you’ll reach a series of fossilized dinosaur footprints, clearly visible in the pale sandstone.
Look closely—you’ll find three-toed tracks from theropods (meat-eating dinosaurs similar to Allosaurus) and rounder prints from sauropods, the long-necked plant eaters. These tracks are among the most accessible in the Moab area, and the site is perfect for kids, families, or anyone curious about ancient desert life.
What to Bring
Water and sun protection (no shade)
Closed-toe shoes for walking on slickrock
A camera or phone for photos (morning light shows the prints best)
Curiosity—this is a real fossil site
Tips for Visiting
Respect the site: The tracks are irreplaceable fossils. Don’t step inside them or pour water into them for photos.
Combine with nearby attractions: The Willow Springs area connects to Eye of the Whale Arch, Tower Arch, and the Willow Springs Road back route into Arches.
Best time to visit: Early morning or evening for cooler temperatures and better visibility of the tracks’ shadows.
Nearby Trails
Tower Arch Trail – A moderate hike through fins and dunes to a massive arch.
Balanced Rock Trail – A short, iconic stop inside Arches.
Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackway – Another excellent fossil site north of Moab.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 0.5 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain | Minimal |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Family Friendly | Yes |
| Dog Friendly | Yes (on leash) |
| Restrooms | None |
| Shade | None |
| Fees | Free |
| Best Season | Spring, Fall, Winter |
Safety Callout ⚠️
Desert Safety: There’s no shade or water here. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, so plan short visits during cooler parts of the day.
Road Conditions: Willow Springs Road can become muddy or rutted after rain. Check weather and use caution if driving beyond the track site.
Why Visit the Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracks
Because it’s one of the few places in Utah where you can walk right up to authentic dinosaur footprints without a long hike or tour. Standing there, you can almost picture the prehistoric landscape—lush floodplains, giant ferns, and dinosaurs leaving tracks that turned to stone beneath your feet.