Even though Steve and I are not little kids, nor did we have kids with us, we still enjoyed exploring the Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks on our way to Moab, Utah during our spring 2026 trip. It was a fun little excursion and also got us out of the car to stretch our legs on the 1/3 mile round trip trail.
Location
Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks are located about 30 min NW of Moab, Utah off of Highway 191.
About Copper Ridge Dinosuar Tracks
This dinosaur track site is the site of the fossilized tracks of not one, but two different dinosaurs who made these tracks about 150 million years ago. One was a Carnivore and the other a Herbivore. Pretty amazing! Although the tracks may not look like much, they provide scientists with lots of information. Data such as the approximate size of the dinosaur, how fast it was moving and where it was going contributes to learning more about these dinosaurs.
The Trailhead
There is a good size parking area at the Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks trailhead. In addition to the walking trail, it is also a spot used for trail biking as well. The path is easy to follow and mostly packed dirt and rocks. It is an uphill trail on the way there but not too strenuous making this an easy trail and good for most people. There are interpretive signs when you get to the top of the hill which give a glimpse of the dinosaur passing through here.
Brontopodus
This long-necked herbivorous dinosaur was of the sauropod species. Its tracks were given the name of Brontopodus. This type of dinosaur, a type of Brontosaur, is quite large with a long neck, small head, short legs, and also large bowl like feet. Weighing in at 15-30 tons I can just imagine them stomping around on those big feet. He also sported a long whip like tail that could be used for defense, in addition, their long necks let them graze from the tops of trees.
*Drawing credit to Bureau of Land Management Sinage at site
The tracks found here are unique as they show the dinosaur made a sharp right turn which is rare as for the most part, dinosaur tracks usually are found in a straight line. This 1989 discovery is the first of its type and also the first dinosaur trackway discovered in Utah.
Limping Theropod
Next are the set of tracks named the Limping Theropod. A theropod is a two legged three toed carnivores dinosaur. These tracks tell us the dinosaur was limping which most likely was from a left leg injury. Since these types of dinosaurs were fighters, an injury is not unusual.
This particular dinosaur is an Allosaurus. He was large, with a large skull sporting two horns. In addition, his jaw was forceful with dozens of serrated teeth which could bite through anything with ease. In addition, he had strong arms with 3 finger like claws to grab onto and hold his prey. I was glad to just see his fossilized footprints and definitely glad I did not meet up with him in person.
*Drawing credit to Bureau of Land Management Sinage at site
Conclusion
All in all, I think the Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks is a great spot to visit. It is well maintained by the Bureau of Land Management and easy to locate, easy to access as well as easy to get to. Actually, this is agreat place to get out and stretch your legs, if like us, you have driven awhile. It was also a fun introduction for our first day in Utah as we planned several hikes over the next week and a half.
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The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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Child or not, those dinosaur tracks look so cool! Even I would be fascinated to merit a visit. Thanks for sharing this lovely gem in Utah!
We truly loved it! It was fun and brought out our inner child!!
Did the park have plaster casts available so one could see how small your own footstep is compared to these creatures, so you could place your foot inside of theirs? A fun find, Lori.
It did not. But you could walk among these which I found unusual. It was a fun find! One of those spur of the moment turns! Have a Happy Fourth of July, Jerry!
We regrettably did not stop here on our southern Utah road trip a few years ago. It’s too bad as it seems like such a neat spot.
It was a lot of fun! I wouldn’t go out of my way for it as there is so much to see and do in Utah but since it was close we stopped.