About Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Interpretive Site
Located just north of Moab, Utah, Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Interpretive Site offers a rare chance to see authentic Jurassic-era footprints preserved in the desert. A short, easy-to-moderate hike of about 0.3 miles round trip with 65–100 feet of elevation gain leads to tracks left by both giant plant-eating sauropods and meat-eating theropods. Sweeping desert views and well-preserved tracks make this family-friendly destination ideal for photography and exploration.The Copper Ridge tracks are preserved in sandstone of the Salt Wash Member of the Morrison Formation, an ancient river channel where ripple marks can still be seen today. These impressions date back to the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 149 million years ago, when giant dinosaurs roamed what is now eastern Utah. Discovered in 1989 by Linda-Dale Jennings-Lockley, Copper Ridge includes the first sauropod tracks scientifically documented in Utah. Visitors can see large, round sauropod footprints — likely from Camarasaurus, Apatosaurus, or Diplodocus — alongside three-toed theropod prints from predators such as Allosaurus. Notable features include a sauropod trackway showing a sharp right turn and a theropod trackway that suggests the animal may have been limping, offering rare insight into dinosaur movement and behavior. Interpretive signage explains the fossils and the environment that preserved them, emphasizing the importance of protecting these fragile remnants from the past.Hours and Seasons Open year-round. Summer temperatures can be extreme with no shade; plan visits for early morning or evening.Features and Services Access and parking: A small gravel parking area is available near the trailhead, providing easy access for most passenger vehicles. There are no length or height restrictions, and standard clearance is sufficient for the approach. The road is generally passable in dry conditions, with four-wheel drive recommended only during wet or muddy weather.Cell service: Cell service i
