Walk Where Dinosaurs Once Roamed And See Their Actual Footprints At Red Fleet State Park In Utah
By Catherine Armstrong|Published July 26, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
We love Utah’s state parks, but some are definitely more popular than others. While parks like Goblin Valley and Dead Horse Point get a lot of attention, others are hidden gems that not many Utahns visit. Red Fleet State Park is one of those gems, and you can actually walk where dinosaurs once roamed!
Red Fleet State Park is located at 8750 North Highway 191, Vernal, UT 84078
Everyone in Utah knows that Vernal is the place to go to see evidence of the dinosaurs that roamed here 200 million years ago. Red Fleet State Park is a little-known gem, and it's a lot less crowded that some of the other spots around town.
Paddle around in a kayak or canoe, or explore on a paddle board. You can also swim and splash, and even jump in from the surrounding cliffs. Try your hand at fishing here, too! Rainbow trout, crappie, perch, walleye, and more are just waiting to bite.
To see the 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, take the 1.7-mile-long Dinosaur Trackway Trail. It's a moderate hike with some elevation changes along the way.
...and soon you'll see the dinosaur tracks. Scientists know that the dinosaurs walked on two legs and had three toes, though they haven't identified the species. The best time to see the dino tracks is in the morning or evening hours - it can be hard to spot them when the sun is directly overhead.
During your exploration of the park, you'll likely see cactus, juniper, and other beautiful plants, and you'll want to keep your eyes open for wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, mule deer, coyotes, and more.
A day at Red Fleet State Park is a good day, indeed! When the sun sets, you don't necessarily have to head for home. Plan an overnight stay at the campground, which offers tent and RV sites.