About Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trailhead Interpretive Site
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone and Track Interpretive Sites, located just north of Moab, offer visitors two unique paleontological experiences. The tracksite is accessible via a short boardwalk with interpretive signs and showcases over 200 Early Cretaceous dinosaur footprints from a variety of species, including theropods, sauropods, ornithopods, ankylosaurs, birds, and even crocodilians. About a mile farther down the road, the Bone Trail features fossilized dinosaur bones still embedded in rock along a self-guided, family-friendly path with educational panels. Both sites are set against striking desert scenery, making them ideal for learning and photography.Discovered in 2009, the Mill Canyon tracksite preserves more than 200 footprints in the Early Cretaceous mudstone of the Cedar Mountain Formation, dating to about 112 million years ago. These trace fossils, labeled Megalosauripus and other ichnotaxa, record the movements of a diverse Mesozoic fauna. The Bone Trail exposes in-situ dinosaur bones from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation, approximately 150 million years old, including species such as Allosaurus and Camarasaurus. Interpretive signage explains the geology, species represented, and the legal protections in place to conserve these irreplaceable resources.Hours and SeasonsOpen year-round. Summer heat can be extreme with little shade; plan visits for early morning or evening.Features and ServicesAccess and Parking: A gravel parking area is available near the trailhead, accessible by most vehicles. High-clearance or four-wheel drive may be beneficial in wet conditions.Cell Service: Service is limited and may be inconsistent; do not rely on a dependable signal.Toilets: None available on-site.Drinking Water: No water is available on-site; please bring your own.Pets: Pets are allowed on leash. Please keep them off tracks and fossils to prevent damage.Camping: Overnight camping is available at Courthouse Rock Campground located at the trailhead to the tracksite.
