Overview

Hype:

The Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite contains one of the highest diversities of fossilized vertebrate tracks in North America. Hundreds of tracks from at least five different dinosaur species have been preserved since the Early Jurassic period approximately 180 million years ago. Footprints from Kayentapus, Grallator, Otozoum, Batrachopus, and Brasilichnium have been revealed by the erosion of layers of the sedimentary sandstone.

Time:

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.blm.gov/visit/moccasin-mountain-dinosaur-tracksite

Getting There

Navigate to 37.002830, -112.812391.

There are two small parking areas: an upper area delineated by a rail fence that allows drivers to avoid dropping into (and getting back out of) the drainage; and a lower parking area in the drainage by the interpretive signs, which is best suited for true off-highway vehicles. 

The road to the Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite has sections of deep sand. Only experienced drivers with four-wheel drive high clearance vehicles should attempt to drive to the site. Road conditions are especially challenging when the sand is dry.

Route

To reach the tracks from the lower parking area and interpretive display, hike around the vehicle barricade and continue west down the short drainage. When the drainage reaches a pour off roughly 180 yards from the fance, hike up the slope to the right (north). Keep a close eye on the ground as you wander this area and wait for the tracks to start to stand out from the surrounding sandstone. Visitors often find that tracks become easier to spot after spending some time in the site; on the return hike, you may be surprised to find that you walked by several tracks without noticing them.

Although these tracks have survived for millions of years, they are fragile and easily damaged. Park at the interpretive signs or at the upper parking area – do not drive on the tracks. As you explore, avoid walking directly on the tracks, especially if the sandstone is wet. Fossils like these are legally protected national treasures; doing anything that might damage them is against federal law. This includes making molds or casts of the footprints or attempting to remove the tracks from the sandstone.

The Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite is open to foot traffic only. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed past the parking areas. Dogs are allowed, but their waste must be packed out. 

Location

Closest City or Region: Kanab, Utah

Coordinates: 37.002474, -112.813927

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Maps

Closest City or Region: Kanab, Utah

Coordinates: 37.002474, -112.813927

Printable Maps

April 9, 2021 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Greg Dye, Laura Dye, Marci Parker, Shawn Parker, Callie Parker, Wade Parker, Aria Parker, Lillian Parker,

Story

We really enjoyed our trip out to the Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite. When we first arrived, there were a ton of other people, but then they left and we had the place basically to ourselves. It took us a while to locate the tracks, but then once we were able to locate a few of them, it was easier to find others.

Pictures