Walk Along Hundreds Of Dinosaur Tracks On This Short And Easy Hiking Trail In Utah
By Courtnie Erickson|Published April 26, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the coolest hiking trails in Utah. This trail not only takes you through some incredible southern Utah landscapes, but it will take you back in time — WAY back in time. The Twenty Mile Dinosaur Trackway is a short, easy hike where you can find hundreds of dinosaur tracks set in sandstone. Bring your entire family, a group of friends, or just come by yourself and take a walk with dinosaurs.
The Twenty Mile Dinosaur Trackway in southern Utah is home to one of the largest dinosaur trackways in the entire world. Plus, you don’t have to go too far or work too hard to enjoy the views.
The trailhead to this hike is approximately 20 miles from the small town of Escalante. Travel on the Hole-in-the-Rock Road past Devil’s Garden. Turn onto Collet Top Road and follow it for approximately two miles. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can continue for less than half a mile to the trailhead. If not, it is best to park near the turnoff and walk a short distance to the trailhead.
The Twenty Mile Dinosaur Trackway is short and easy — perfect for a family adventure. This is a 1.2-mile trail with very little elevation climb. There is no shade so make sure everyone in your group has plenty of water and sun protection.
… but make sure you pay attention to the ground. As you hike, you can find hundreds of dinosaur tracks. Some of these tracks are quite easy to see and others will take a more careful eye.
The tracks have been preserved in sandstone for more than 155 million years. Most of the tracks were made by sauropods, plant-eating dinosaurs with long necks and tails, four legs, and massive body sizes.
Other dinosaur tracks have also been found in the area including three-toed tracks that could belong to creatures such as an allosaurus.
While you can find tracks all over the area, climb up to the yellow area in the rock for some of the best views. Pay attention to the abnormal patterns in the rock up here — you’ll likely find a dinosaur track!
Keep in mind that when you do find a dinosaur track, you should not walk on top of it. These tracks can be damaged. It is also illegal to mold, cast, or remove any of the track as well.
It’s not every day you can walk with dinosaurs but at the Twenty Mile Dinosaur Trackway, it is possible. Whether you see just one track or a few dozen, it’s an incredible piece of history tucked away in southern Utah.
For more information about this trail and for a few tips to help you spot the dinosaur tracks along your way, we suggest visiting the Escalante Visitor Center and speaking with rangers.
Have you been to the Twenty Mile Dinosaur Trackway in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument? Did you find any dinosaur tracks? Let us know in the comments and we’d love to see some of your photos as well! If you want to visit even more incredible dinosaur attractions in Utah, take a look at our dinosaur-themed road trip itinerary.
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