Summary
Springtime in the Utah Desert
There’s nothing like spring in the Utah desert. While much of the country is just starting to thaw, the weather in eastern Utah is warm and sunny. The desert’s springtime weather window—before the heat of summer kicks in—is the perfect time to visit Moab, an outdoor-lover’s paradise that is ideally situated between two of the state’s best national parks: Arches and Canyonlands.
Paleontological History of Moab
In addition to great weather and easy national park access, Moab is renowned for its rich paleontological history, which is significantly highlighted by the dinosaurs that once roamed the land. One of the best ways to see remnants of these magnificent creatures for yourself is to hike the aptly named Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Trail just north of town.
Exploring the Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Trail
The hike leads to an open-air museum (no entrance fee required) featuring three sets of well-preserved dinosaur tracks that date back to the Jurassic period. One set is believed to belong to a long-neck dinosaur (likely a Camarasaurus, Apatosaurus, or Diplodocus), while the other two are from different-sized carnivorous dinosaurs, including the T-Rex-like Allosaurus. These prints are visible today because they originated on a muddy sandbar and were subsequently buried with water and sediment. Over millions of years, they hardened into sandstone and were later uncovered by erosion.
The Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Trail is an easy 0.3-mile, out-and-back trail situated above the Colorado River. The journey takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how long you spend examining the trackways and reading the informational signs. The trail is open year-round; however, it is best experienced in the spring when the weather is cool and the ground remains dry. Moreover, dogs are welcome but should be leashed for their safety and that of other visitors.
Additional Dinosaur Track Sites
For those seeking more dinosaur tracks, consider visiting the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite, Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracksite, and the Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Tracksite, all located in the Moab area. Each of these locations offers unique insights into the prehistoric world and enhances the overall experience of tracing the footsteps of dinosaurs.
