Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite | Walk Where Dinosaurs Once Roamed Near Moab, Utah

Just a short drive from downtown Moab, the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite offers a rare chance to walk alongside history—literally. At this outdoor fossil site, you’ll find dozens of preserved dinosaur footprints embedded in ancient mudstone, revealing a moment frozen in time over 112 million years ago.

Whether you’re a paleontology enthusiast or just looking for a short, family-friendly outing, this trail delivers an unforgettable glimpse into Utah’s prehistoric past.

📍 Trail Overview

Feature Description
Trail Length 0.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty Easy
Elevation Gain ~25 feet
Trail Type Out-and-back
Estimated Time 20–30 minutes
Best Season Fall, Spring, Winter (avoid summer heat)
Dogs Allowed on leash
Facilities Informational signs, no restrooms

Illustrated poster of Mill Canyon Dinosaur Track Trail showing a dinosaur fossil embedded in red rock cliffs with a winding creek and desert landscape in the background.

What You’ll See

Mill Canyon is home to one of the most diverse Early Cretaceous dinosaur tracksites in North America. Over 200 tracks have been documented here, representing more than 10 different prehistoric species including:

  • Theropods (meat-eaters like Utahraptor)

  • Sauropods (long-necked giants)

  • Ornithopods (herbivorous, bipedal dinosaurs)

  • Crocodyliforms and birds (yes, ancient birds!)

Raised boardwalks and interpretive signs guide you through the site, making it easy to view the fossilized impressions without damaging the delicate sandstone.

Getting There

From Moab City Center, head north on US-191 for approximately 15 miles. Turn left onto Mill Canyon Road, a well-maintained dirt road (2WD friendly in dry conditions). Look for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sign indicating the dinosaur tracksite.

📍 GPS Coordinates: 38.7360° N, 109.7285° W
🚗 Drive Time: 20–25 minutes from Moab
⚠️ Note: Road may become impassable after heavy rain.

Trail Description

The short trail begins at a small parking lot and follows a flat path to a wooden boardwalk system that loops around the fossil-rich area. The interpretive signs offer insight into how the tracks formed, how scientists interpret them, and what life might have looked like during the Early Cretaceous period.

This is not just a hike—it’s an outdoor science exhibit, and it’s ideal for families, school groups, and curious minds of all ages.

🔥 Pro Tip

Bring binoculars or a zoom lens to closely observe the more subtle tracks. Morning or late afternoon light casts helpful shadows that make the impressions easier to see.

Why Visit the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite?

Unlike a museum exhibit, these tracks are still embedded in their natural, original setting. You’re not just looking at fossils—you’re walking the same ground dinosaurs once walked.

It’s a humbling, educational, and exciting reminder of the vast timeline of life on Earth. And best of all? It’s free and open to the public year-round.

✅ Know Before You Go

  • There are no bathrooms or water sources at the site. Bring everything you need.

  • Stay on the designated trail and boardwalks to preserve the tracks.

  • The tracksite is fragile and irreplaceable—please don’t touch or step off the platforms.

  • Ideal for children, educational outings, and short scenic stops.

📷 Download the Mill Canyon Tracksite Hiking Guide (PDF)

Get a printable one-page guide with trail stats, directions, and paleo-facts to bring along on your visit.
[Download Now ➜]