Dinosaur Stomping Grounds – Walk Where Giants Roamed

If you’ve ever wanted to hike straight into prehistory, the Dinosaur Stomping Grounds Trail outside Moab is your chance. This trail leads you across classic Utah desert terrain to a vast fossilized tracksite where dozens of dinosaurs left their footprints over 160 million years ago.

Unlike a museum exhibit, these tracks are exactly where the dinosaurs made them. It’s an unforgettable hike that combines geology, paleontology, and adventure into one family-friendly outing.

Quick Facts

• Location: Dalton Wells Road, 16 miles north of Moab

• Distance: 3 miles round trip (out-and-back)

• Elevation Gain: ~250 feet

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours

• Best Season: Spring and fall

• Fees: Free (BLM land)

• Family-Friendly: Yes, but supervise children near the tracksite

• Highlights: Hundreds of visible dinosaur tracks, sweeping Book Cliffs views, quiet desert setting

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is located off Dalton Wells Road.

• From Moab: Drive 16 miles north on US-191. Just past mile marker 148, turn left (west) onto Dalton Wells Road.

• Drive about 1.5 miles on this dirt road to reach the BLM sign and parking area.

• Road conditions: Dry weather = accessible for most cars. Wet weather = road can become muddy and rutted.

📍 Trailhead GPS: 38.7581, -109.7434
👉 Google Maps Directions

Trail Overview

The trail begins with sandy stretches across desert flats, then follows cairns that guide you toward low sandstone benches. You’ll gain elevation gradually until you reach the main tracksite about 1.5 miles in.

From here, look closely. The rock slab in front of you is covered in fossilized tracks. Some are as small as your hand; others are massive three-toed impressions left by Jurassic giants. Late afternoon light casts shadows in the prints, making them pop against the slickrock.

Trail Map Download: [GPX File] | [PDF Guide]

Why You Should Hike the Dinosaur Stomping Grounds

• See real dinosaur tracks in place – preserved for millions of years.

• Family-friendly adventure – short distance with a big payoff.

• Quieter than the national parks – fewer crowds and plenty of space.

• Educational – great teaching moment for kids and adults alike.

What Dinosaurs Made These Tracks?

Scientists believe these tracks date back to the Late Jurassic Period (about 160 million years ago). Paleontologists have identified prints from:

• Theropods: Three-toed carnivorous dinosaurs, ancestors of raptors.

• Sauropods: The massive, long-necked plant-eaters.

• Ornithopods: Smaller, bipedal herbivores.

The sheer number of tracks suggests this was once a watering hole or riverbank where many species gathered.

What to Pack

• Sturdy shoes with grip (slickrock can be sandy and slippery)

• 2 liters of water per person

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Binoculars or zoom lens for spotting distant tracks

• Offline trail map or GPS

Pro Tips from the Trail

• Best lighting: Late afternoon when shadows highlight the footprints.

• Pair it with nearby stops: Combine with the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite or a visit to Moab Giants Dinosaur Park.

• Educational bonus: Bring a field guide or dino ID chart for kids to match prints to species.

• Look for the CCC Camp sign: Dalton Wells was once a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, adding a bit of recent history to your prehistoric outing.

FAQs Dinosaur Stomping Grounds Trail

How long does it take to hike?
Plan for 1.5–2 hours round trip, depending on how long you spend at the tracksite.

Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, but keep children from stepping on the tracks. The hike is sandy and exposed but manageable for families.

Do I need a permit?
No, this is BLM land and open to the public for free.

When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall are ideal. In summer, hike early to avoid extreme heat.

Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but keep them leashed and well away from the fossils.

Next Steps: Planning Your Adventure

• Download the [Dinosaur Stomping Grounds Trail Guide PDF].

• Pack water, sun gear, and sturdy footwear.

• Build a full day itinerary with Moab Giants, Mill Canyon Tracks, and maybe an evening hike in Arches National Park.

• Share the experience responsibly: Leave no trace, respect fossils, and enjoy your step back in time.

Final Thoughts

The Dinosaur Stomping Grounds Trail is one of the most unique hikes near Moab. It doesn’t just give you sweeping desert views. It lets you literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs.

For families, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about deep time, this hike offers a rare chance to see ancient history carved into stone. Next time you’re in Moab, skip the crowds for a morning and hike this trail. You’ll come away with a story few others can tell.