dinosaur tracks near zion

Dinosaur Tracks Near Zion: A Prehistoric Adventure

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Dinosaur tracks near Zion National Park offer a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past. These ancient footprints, preserved in stone, provide valuable insights into the types of dinosaurs that once roamed the area and their behaviors. Located in various sites around Zion, including Kanab, St. George, and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, these tracks are accessible through short hikes and offer a unique opportunity to connect with Earth’s distant history.

Where Can You Find Dinosaur Tracks Near Zion?

dinosaur tracks near zion
Image ‘File:Zion National Park (15141413630).jpg’ by Christopher Michel

Dino Tracks 89 near Kanab, Utah

  • Location: 3 miles north of Kanab, off Highway 89
  • Trail length: 0.7 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 250 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Features: Grallator tracks, steep and slippery ascent

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, St. George, Utah

  • Location: 20-minute drive from downtown St. George
  • Trail: Silver Reef Trail
  • Features: 17 dinosaur footprints, likely from bipedal dinosaurs
  • Parking fee: $5

Dino Cliffs Dinosaur Tracks, St. George, Utah

  • Access: Via Washington Parkway (Exit 13 from I-15)
  • Trail length: Approximately 100 yards
  • Features: Multiple footprints aligned in rock

What Types of Dinosaurs Left These Tracks?

dinosaur tracks near zion

The tracks found near Zion National Park primarily belong to bipedal carnivorous dinosaurs. Two main types of tracks have been identified:

  1. Grallator
  2. Size: 2-6 inches long
  3. Characteristics: Small, three-toed prints

  4. Possible creators: Megapnosaurus or similar species

  5. Eubrontes

  6. Size: 10-20 inches long
  7. Characteristics: Larger three-toed prints
  8. Possible creators: Dilophosaurus or similar species

How Were These Tracks Preserved?

The preservation of dinosaur tracks near Zion involved a specific set of geological conditions:

  1. Moist, muddy sediments near watercourses
  2. Hardening of sediments
  3. Filling with contrasting sediments
  4. Millions of years of erosion
  5. Exposure in Kayenta and Moenave rock layers

What Are the Hiking Routes to See These Tracks?

Dino Tracks 89

  1. Start at the parking lot near the porta potty
  2. Follow the trail through brush to the mesa’s foot
  3. Ascend the steep, slippery slope (good hiking shoes required)
  4. Loop around to the highway side
  5. Climb to the mesa top where tracks are located

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

  1. Locate the Silver Reef Trail near the bathrooms
  2. Follow the short, relatively easy trail
  3. Look for the sign pointing to dinosaur tracks

Dino Cliffs Dinosaur Tracks

  1. Take the short, sandy trail downhill
  2. Walk to the bottom of a wash
  3. Locate the trackway in the flat area (may be difficult to spot at midday)

What Rules Should Visitors Follow?

To preserve these ancient tracks and ensure a safe visit, follow these guidelines:

  • Do not touch or walk on the tracks
  • Keep dogs leashed and children supervised
  • Be cautious of loose rocks
  • Maintain space between hikers in groups

Are There Guided Tours Available?

Currently, there are no specific guided tours focused exclusively on dinosaur tracks near Zion National Park. However, visitors can:

  • Contact Zion National Park Visitor Center for general information
  • Check the park’s official website for updates on potential tours
  • Visit St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm for insights into dinosaur tracks and fossils (not a guided tour for tracks near Zion)

What Should You Bring for Your Dinosaur Track Adventure?

Essential Items Recommended Items
Sturdy hiking shoes Camera
Water Binoculars
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) Field guide on dinosaurs
Trail map Walking stick
First aid kit Snacks

How Can You Enhance Your Dinosaur Track Experience?

  1. Research the types of dinosaurs that left the tracks before your visit
  2. Visit during early morning or late afternoon for better visibility of tracks
  3. Bring a small spray bottle with water to enhance track visibility (do not apply directly to tracks)
  4. Take photographs from different angles to capture details
  5. Compare track sizes to your own footprints (without stepping on the actual tracks)

What Other Prehistoric Sites Are Near Zion?

While exploring dinosaur tracks near Zion, consider visiting these related sites:

  1. St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
  2. Location: St. George, Utah

  3. Features: Well-preserved dinosaur tracks and fossils

  4. Dinosaur Museum at Johnson Farm

  5. Location: St. George, Utah

  6. Exhibits: Dinosaur replicas, educational displays

  7. Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite

  8. Location: Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
  9. Features: Over 1,000 dinosaur tracks

How Do These Tracks Contribute to Scientific Understanding?

Dinosaur tracks near Zion provide valuable information for paleontologists:

  1. Behavior patterns of prehistoric animals
  2. Diversity of dinosaur species in the area
  3. Environmental conditions during the Early Jurassic period
  4. Movement and speed of different dinosaur species
  5. Interactions between different dinosaur types

By studying these tracks, scientists can piece together a more complete picture of life in the Zion area millions of years ago.

References:
– https://myzionvacation.com/dino-tracks-89/
– https://littlebirdietravel.com/dinotracksutah/
– https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/nature/another-kind-of-bigfoot.htm

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