Gorgeous view.  Photo by Grace Taylor.
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Red Fleet State Park Vernal

4.7
·507 reviews·Vernal, United States

Discover ancient dinosaur tracks and enjoy water sports at this newly renovated state park with stunning red rock reservoir views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better track visibility

CrowdLow
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Gorgeous view.  Photo by Grace Taylor.

Red Fleet State Park Vernal

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better track visibility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient dinosaur tracks and enjoy water sports at this newly renovated state park with stunning red rock reservoir views.

4.7
(507 reviews)

"This place is awesome and is a must visit. It has dinosaur tracks, a fun reservoir for a swim, and is a fun hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Hike to Dinosaur Tracks

Follow painted footprints or orange tape to find the ancient tracks. Consider water gear for a unique approach! :athletic_shoe:

🛶 Water Sports Ready

Bring or rent paddleboards/kayaks for reservoir fun. Cliff jumping is popular but check regulations. :kayak:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Tracks

Dinosaur Tracks

Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway

Walk among real dinosaur footprints, some over 200 million years old, guided by painted markers.

Instagram+1
Reservoir Adventures

Reservoir Adventures

Red Fleet Reservoir

Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or even cliff jumping in the stunning red rock reservoir.

Instagram+1
Battleship Trail

Battleship Trail

Red Fleet State Park

A scenic hike offering panoramic views and a chance to explore the park's unique sandstone formations.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Dinosaur Tracks

To see the dinosaur tracks clearly, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The sun's angle makes them more visible. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you want a peaceful hike to the tracks. Instagram

Reservoir Access & Activities

The reservoir is central to many activities like paddleboarding and cliff jumping. While the park has been renovated with new amenities, some reviewers note that access for smaller vessels like kayaks and paddleboards could be improved. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better track visibility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekdays
Why
Ideal for water activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

7-Day NO NATIONAL PARK Utah Road Trip 👇👇 ➡️ Save and share this post with your travel buddy! Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE the Mighty 5 Utah national parks… but Utah has SO much more than those places. 🏜️Comment “GUIDE” and we will send you the link to access our FREE 7-Day road trip with map pins, hikes, pro tips, accommodation options, dining recommendations, and so much more! DAY 1 - KANAB 🏜️Hike...
@thetravelingdans
31K likes • 440.8K views

🎯 Hike to Dinosaur Tracks

Follow painted footprints or orange tape to find the ancient tracks. Consider water gear for a unique approach! InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

🛶 Water Sports Ready

Bring or rent paddleboards/kayaks for reservoir fun. Cliff jumping is popular but check regulations. Instagram+1 :kayak:

🤫One of the best kept secrets of Vernal is Red Fleet State Park! This place has it all! Caves, cliff jumping, sandy beach, dinosaur tracks and beautiful rocks all around! It is a dream!😍 Park at the day use area, bring or rent kayaks or paddle boards and make your way across the short distance to the cliff! Here you can spot dinosaur tracks and cliff jump! It's a triple adventure in one!! Or if ...
utahfamilytravels
526 likes • 15.5K views
Red Fleet State Park. Vernal, Utah. NEWLY RENOVATED STATE PARK!! level campgrounds, water and electric hookups, floating water park, boat launch, tiny homes for rent and much much more! There is so much to explore around the Vernal area we are doing to need to go back! #utahstateparks #redfleet #utahrving #beautahful #rvlife #adventureisoutthere #lifeontheroad
bandc.1022
4 likes • 99 views

💰 Park Admission

Standard day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Seniors get a discount. Instagram+1 :ticket:

🏕️ Renovated Campgrounds

Enjoy spacious, paved sites with covered picnic tables and amazing views. Book ahead! InstagramReddit :tent:

🦖 See real dinosaur tracks in Utah! Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway is a 3-mile round-trip hike with painted dinosaur footprints guiding you all the way to the real tracks. The views are stunning, and there’s even a cliff-jumping spot! 🪨💦 🎟️ Park admission is $15 per vehicle, but only if you enter through the main Red Fleet State Park entrance (to swim or rent a boat to get to the tracks from the wat...
beyond_exploring_fl
87 likes • 837 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Hike to Dinosaur Tracks

Follow painted footprints or orange tape to find the ancient tracks. Consider water gear for a unique approach! InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

🛶 Water Sports Ready

Bring or rent paddleboards/kayaks for reservoir fun. Cliff jumping is popular but check regulations. Instagram+1 :kayak:

💰 Park Admission

Standard day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Seniors get a discount. Instagram+1 :ticket:

🏕️ Renovated Campgrounds

Enjoy spacious, paved sites with covered picnic tables and amazing views. Book ahead! InstagramReddit :tent:

📸 Track Visibility

The best time to see dinosaur tracks is during golden hour (early morning/late afternoon). Instagram :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(507 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the newly renovated campgrounds, praising the spacious, paved sites and excellent amenities. The park's unique dinosaur tracks and the reservoir's opportunities for water sports like paddleboarding and cliff jumping are major highlights. While some note minor access issues for smaller watercraft, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.

"The campground here is newly renovated and exceptional, with large and well-spaces campsites that all have amazing views. There are also some excellent hiking trails in the park (Battleship was my favorite), great mountain biking, and a wonderful reservoir for paddle boarding. We spent five nights here in early September and had all the trails to ourselves."

Lisa Woods

"Really cool place.
In the state park, there are camp space, boat ramp and rental paddle sports activity.
Shore is little muddy, so not good for beach fun, but good for water sports.
Especially, in the opposite side of boat ramp, there is real dinosaur tracks.
You can reach there by accross the water, or once get out the park and drive few minutes to the trail head.
We walked to access by trail.
In the trail, some scenery points and it's little difficult to notice the way but you can find black dinosaur track marker on the rock or orange tape on the branch.
If you prepared to water gear, you could have more fun around the dinosaur tracks, like dive from the criff!"

Ken MAEDA

"Place looks great with all the new amenities but I would like to see better access or easier access to water for smaller vessels like cubes, paddle boards and kayaks. The bathrooms and picnic tables with the covers are nice, the new water slides too. Overall it's a very nice place that we enjoyed and plan to come back to again."

Bob Elder

What People Like

Newly renovated campgrounds
Dinosaur tracks
Reservoir activities

What People Dislike

Shore access for small boats

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Red Fleet State Park is located about 15 miles north of Vernal, Utah. Take Highway 191 North and follow the signs for the park. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. TikTokInstagram

Public transport options are very limited in this area. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for easy access to Red Fleet State Park and surrounding attractions. TikTok

Roads leading to Red Fleet State Park are generally well-maintained paved highways. However, always check local road conditions before your trip, especially during winter months. Instagram

Yes, there's a separate trailhead for the dinosaur trackway. However, entering through the main park entrance allows access to the reservoir and other amenities. Instagram

Absolutely! Red Fleet State Park is often highlighted as a fantastic stop on Utah road trips, offering unique attractions beyond the national parks. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The standard day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Utah seniors (62 and older) can enter for $5 per vehicle. Instagram

Yes, Utah seniors aged 62 and older receive a discounted entry fee of $5 per vehicle. Instagram

State parks in Utah typically open at 6 AM and close at 10 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official Utah State Parks website for the most current hours. Instagram

For day-use entry, advance booking is generally not required. However, if you plan to camp, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Instagram

Yes, a valid Utah State Parks Pass should grant you access to Red Fleet State Park, covering the day-use fees. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway is a must-do, leading to ancient footprints. The Battleship trail is also highly recommended for its scenic views. InstagramReddit

Yes, swimming is permitted in Red Fleet Reservoir. It's a popular spot for cooling off, especially during warmer months. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Red Fleet is famous for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks, accessible via a hike or by watercraft. InstagramReddit+1

The reservoir is great for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and cliff jumping. Instagram+1

Yes, the park features newly renovated campgrounds with paved sites, covered picnic tables, and excellent views, making it a great camping destination. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly within Red Fleet State Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or dine in nearby Vernal. TikTok

The closest dining options are in Vernal, which offers a variety of restaurants, from fast food to local eateries. TikTok

Yes, picnic areas with tables and covers are available throughout the park, making it ideal for a scenic lunch. Reddit

Yes, Vernal has several grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies before heading to the park. TikTok

Pack easy-to-eat, portable foods like sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking or spending a full day by the reservoir. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning red rock formations, the vibrant reservoir, ancient dinosaur tracks, and panoramic vistas from the hiking trails. Instagram+1

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the red hues of the landscape. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details on the rock formations or wildlife. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance colors. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to park regulations and FAA rules. It's best to check with park management or the Utah State Parks website for current drone policies. Instagram

Yes, photographing the dinosaur tracks is a highlight! Be mindful of the environment and avoid touching or disturbing the tracks. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Red Fleet State Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for adventure and educational opportunities. The dinosaur tracks are a huge hit with kids, turning a hike into a prehistoric expedition. Instagram The reservoir offers safe areas for swimming and playing, and the newly added water slides provide extra fun. InstagramReddit Consider bringing inflatable toys or renting kayaks for a family paddle. The renovated campgrounds with covered picnic tables make for comfortable family meals amidst nature. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Red Fleet State Park offers great value, especially for those looking to experience Utah's unique landscapes without the hefty price tag of national parks. The day-use fee is a reasonable $10 per vehicle, with discounts for seniors. Instagram Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, as dining options are limited to nearby Vernal. TikTok Camping at the renovated sites is also an affordable way to extend your visit and fully immerse yourself in the park's beauty. InstagramReddit

💍 Couples Seeking Romance

For a unique romantic getaway, consider Red Fleet State Park. The Red Canyon overlook offers a beautiful, less-trafficked spot for a proposal or a quiet moment together. Reddit Enjoy a sunset picnic by the reservoir or take a leisurely paddleboard ride as the sun dips below the horizon. Instagram The renovated campgrounds provide a comfortable and scenic base for a romantic escape, with stunning views right from your campsite. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Dinosaur Tracks

Red Fleet State Park is a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts, boasting real dinosaur tracks that are over 200 million years old. The Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway is a designated trail that guides visitors to these ancient imprints. Many visitors opt to hike to the tracks, following painted footprints or orange tape markers on the rocks and branches. Instagram+1 For a truly unique experience, some adventurous visitors paddle across the reservoir to access the tracks from the water, allowing for a different perspective and the opportunity for cliff jumping nearby. Instagram

It's important to note that the visibility of the tracks can depend on the lighting conditions. Early morning and late afternoon light often makes the tracks stand out more clearly against the sandstone. While the hike is generally considered moderate, wearing appropriate footwear is essential. Instagram The park's efforts to preserve these tracks mean visitors should tread lightly and avoid touching or disturbing them to ensure they remain for future generations. Instagram

Red Fleet Reservoir: Water Activities and Amenities

The centerpiece of Red Fleet State Park is its picturesque reservoir, offering a refreshing escape and a hub for various water activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking on the 520-acre reservoir. Instagram The park has undergone recent renovations, enhancing amenities such as a boat launch and rental options for paddle sports. Instagram+1

For thrill-seekers, cliff jumping is a popular activity here, with designated spots available. However, it's advisable to adhere to park regulations regarding jump heights, typically under 15 feet. Instagram While the reservoir is fantastic for water sports, some reviewers mention that the shore can be a bit muddy, making it less ideal for traditional beach activities. Reddit Despite this, the overall experience of gliding across the water with stunning red rock formations as a backdrop is a major draw for visitors. Instagram

Camping and Park Renovations

Red Fleet State Park has recently seen significant renovations, particularly to its campgrounds, which have been widely praised by visitors. The newly renovated campsites are described as spacious, paved, and well-spaced, offering excellent views of the surrounding landscape. InstagramReddit Each site typically includes a covered picnic table, adding comfort and convenience for campers. Reddit

Beyond the campsites, the park now features improved bathrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. Reddit The addition of water slides has also been noted as a positive enhancement, particularly for families. Reddit These upgrades have significantly elevated the visitor experience, making Red Fleet State Park a highly recommended destination for camping and outdoor recreation. Booking campsites in advance is strongly advised, especially during popular travel seasons. Instagram

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