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Utahraptor State Park

Evidence of dinosaurs is everywhere in Moab! While out exploring, it’s not uncommon to find dinosaur bones and tracks in the sedimentary rock of the Mesozoic age . Moab is also part of the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway, a National Scenic Byway that passes through some of the world’s most significant locations for dinosaur fossils, tracksites and museums.

Introduction

Located roughly 15 miles northwest of Moab, this new park has one of the largest dinosaur bone beds in North America. Over 5,500 bones representing more than ten dinosaur species have been recovered during the site’s 45-year history of excavation and discovery. Species found include the Utahraptor, the armored Gastonia and the long-necked sauropod Moabosaurus. Paleontologists believe more than 100,000 bones may await discovery at the site. The park also offers recreational activities, such as off-roading, hiking and mountain biking in addition to paleontological resources—making this a state park that captures the breadth of Utah allure.

Distance from Moab: 15 Miles (24 km)

Directions from Moab: Drive 15 miles (14.5 km) northwest of Moab on US 191. Driving time to the visitor center from Moab is roughly 15 minutes.

Park Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Fees: Consult the state park website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utahraptor/park-fees/

Visitor Center and Hours: The visitor center is open year-round, 9am-5pm, has facilities for the disabled, an information area, exhibits, restrooms, water, publications and souvenirs.

Park Contact Info

Mailing Address
Utahraptor State Park
P.O. Box 164
Moab, UT 84532

Visitors Center GPS Coordinates: 38.70134, -109.69764

Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utahraptor/

Park Resources

Park Website

The sign at Utahraptor State Park visitor center

Campgrounds

Camp in the full-service campground, use as a basecamp for Off-Highway Vehicle and mountain bike trail access, and sightseeing at the National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, and all Moab has to offer. The park has 61 partial hookup sites with 20/30/50 amp service, water at each site, and modern restrooms in each loop. Some sites have shade structures. There are also 27 improved, primitive sites with camping pad, fire ring, picnic table, and CXT vault toilets in each loop.

To make a camping reservation contact Reserve America at 1-800-322-3770, or visit reserveamerica.com.

night-sky tent camping

Park Highlights

hiking

Pet Friendly Hiking Trails

Bring a leash and your pup.

mountain biking

Mountain Biking

Nearby access to the Klonzo and Bar M trail systems. 

Night Skies

Utahraptor State Park is one of the most active and accessible areas to stargaze in the Moab area. Its location, mountains in the distance and cities out of sight yields a nearly full view of the celestial sphere. The park is a premier spot to see the skies our ancestors wondered over and survived with.

night sky

Biological Soil Crust

Your help is crucial in preserving our trails and protecting the fragile soil that sustains the desert ecosystem. The biological soil crust, also known as cryptobiotic soil, serves as the foundation for desert plant life. This unique black, knobby crust is composed of diverse living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the desert environment.

soil crust

However, this soil crust is exceptionally delicate and can take several decades to regenerate. Even a single footstep can cause irreparable damage that can persist for years, impacting the entire ecosystem. We urge you to stay on designated roads, routes, and trails to ensure the preservation of this fragile life. In areas where hiking trails are not established, it is advisable to hike on sandy washes or bare rock surfaces to minimize the impact on the soil.

By remaining vigilant and adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the long-term sustainability of the desert ecosystem and help safeguard its natural beauty for generations to come. Let’s work together to keep all of our trails open and protect the invaluable biological soil crust.