A fun hike for the familiy – Photo courtesy of White Raven Eye Photography

Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracksite

Description

The Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracksite preserves the peculiar tracks of a long-necked herbivorous dinosaur (sauropod), along with two different sizes of meat-eating dinosaur (theropod) tracks. This site stands out for being the first place in Utah where sauropod tracks were discovered, as well as showing a large sauropod making a right turn as it strode roughly 150 million years ago. Paleontologists have yet to find other evidence showing a dinosaur making an abrupt change in direction. Tracks from one of the theropod dinosaurs indicate that it limped along an ancient sandbar, and show that it suffered from an injury.

These unique tracks provide a glimpse into the past. Tracks help paleontologists understand the approximate size of the animal, it’s speed, and its direction. We would not be able to learn from bones alone key information about the environment these animals traversed, as well as other interesting features of their daily lives.

The interpretive trail is 1/3 mile long, round trip. From the kiosk, take the marked trail up the hill along the sandstone path. At the top of the hill, follow the signs marking the trail.

Track from a large carnivorous dinosaur – Photo courtesy of White Raven Eye Photography

Tracks of an enormous sauropod dinosaur – Photo courtesy of White Raven Eye Photography

Squishy track shows detail of the sauropod dinosaur changing its direction – Photo by James St. John

Be a Dinosaur Steward!

Please respect and protect these important tracks. Making casts of dinosaur tracks harms them and can lead to permanent destruction. Making casts is also against the law. Please photograph the tracks to document your experience and leave this special site as you found it for others to enjoy.

BLM Video on the Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracksite

Driving Directions

Take Hwy 191 north from Moab or south from Crescent Junction. The turnoff is to the east from Hwy 191 at: N 38 49.493 W 109 46.886.

Cross a cattle guard and railroad tracks. Follow the road and signs for 2.1 miles. The last half mile is rocky, but usually passable by a passenger vehicle. Use best judgment if the road is wet or muddy, or if weather is threatening.

Parking at the trailhead is located at: N 38 49.796 W 109 45.792.

Please hike responsibly and respect social distancing protocols in consideration of others visiting the site. Carry enough water and be aware of the terrain and weather. The map link below has not been tested for accuracy.