New State Parks Coming to Utah: Utahraptor and Lost Creek
Utah is set to create two exciting new state parks, including one dedicated to the ancient Utahraptor dinosaur, whose fossils were unearthed near Moab, recognized as the state’s recreation capital.
Utahraptor State Park
Parts of the Dalton Wells area in Grand County will transform into Utahraptor State Park, named after the dinosaur whose bones were discovered during excavations. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Utahraptor ostrommaysi was a feathered, bipedal carnivore measuring over 20 feet in length and weighing more than 600 pounds.
The initial Utahraptor fossils were discovered in 1975 at the Dalton Wells Quarry, with additional significant finds occurring in 1991. Presently, the area has yielded remains from approximately 10 other dinosaurs, all located near Arches National Park. As the official state dinosaur, the Utahraptor’s designated park will encompass 6,500 acres and feature 150 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. This new designation ensures the preservation of the land and protects fossils from potential theft.
Lost Creek State Park
The second new state park will emerge from Lost Creek Reservoir in Morgan County, transforming into Lost Creek State Park. Hunting in the area will be strictly limited to waterfowl, as it serves as a prime location for rainbow trout fishing, boating, and various water sports. These new parks will be the 45th and 46th in Utah, and according to a fiscal note attached to the bill, visitors might incur entrance fees of up to $25 and camping fees that can reach $40.
