
Dino Cliffs Trail
Discover ancient dinosaur footprints on an easy desert hike with stunning Southern Utah views. A unique, family-friendly adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy cooler temps

Dino Cliffs Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient dinosaur footprints on an easy desert hike with stunning Southern Utah views. A unique, family-friendly adventure!
"Walk amongst the dinosaurs! Dino Cliffs trail is an easy hike with well-preserved dino tracks."

🚗 Navigate Construction
Construction may affect access. Use Google Maps and go slow; look for small trail signs.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The red sand can be a bit slow and messy for shoes. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Footprints
Dino Cliffs Trail
Walk in the footsteps of giants! Discover real dinosaur tracks preserved in ancient rock formations.

Scenic Desert Views
Dino Cliffs Trail
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Southern Utah desert landscape.

Easy Family-Friendly Hike
Dino Cliffs Trail
A short, accessible trail perfect for all ages, offering a fun and educational outdoor experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Dino Cliffs Trail
Best Time to Visit for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Navigate Construction
Construction may affect access. Use Google Maps and go slow; look for small trail signs.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The red sand can be a bit slow and messy for shoes. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Southern Utah can be very hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated on your adventure.
🗺️ Use Navigation Apps
Trail markers are minimal. Google Maps or similar apps are essential for staying on track.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Navigate Construction
Construction may affect access. Use Google Maps and go slow; look for small trail signs.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The red sand can be a bit slow and messy for shoes. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Southern Utah can be very hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated on your adventure.
🗺️ Use Navigation Apps
Trail markers are minimal. Google Maps or similar apps are essential for staying on track.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Temperatures soar above 100°F. Plan your hike for cooler morning or evening hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of seeing real dinosaur tracks on the Dino Cliffs Trail, calling it a fantastic and underrated spot. The easy, family-friendly nature of the hike and the scenic desert views are frequently praised. However, some find the access routes confusing due to construction, and the desert heat can be intense if not prepared.
"With the fancy homes blocking the easy route, you'll park at Grapevine park and hike over to them. Unfortunately it was over 100° when I went (I was planning on the short route) so I didn't hike that far. There are no trail markers, so use Google maps and enjoy the views."
Dennis Burns
"New construction around 63 colima rd washington, utah will permit you to drive within 15 mn of location on paved roads for now. Went on a Sunday and we were alone."
Ricardo Macpherson-Ortiz
"This is a fantastic trail available for all hikers and bicycle riders. I went on a Sunday and it was heavily trafficked, but there’s enough trail spread out that it felt empty still. Frequently, seeing golden doodles on the top of mountains is a common occurrence at Dino cliffs. Be not afraid, they are not actual dinosaurs, but lovable little furrbabies. Parking is close. Bathrooms are clean and very impressive."
CJay Turn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the Dino Cliffs Trailhead has changed due to new construction. It's recommended to type 'Dino Cliffs Trail' into your navigation app. Be aware that you might turn onto a dirt road. Some users suggest 4WD can be helpful, while others found paved roads leading close by.
Yes, parking is generally available near the trailhead. Some reviews mention parking at Grapevine Park and hiking over if direct access is difficult due to development.
Recent developments mean you can drive within about 15 minutes of the location on paved roads. However, the final approach to the trailhead might involve a dirt road, where 4WD could be beneficial.
Public transport options directly to the Dino Cliffs Trail are limited. It is best to plan for a personal vehicle or rideshare service to reach the trailhead.
Go slow once you see the entrance area near new construction. Just after a new gray wall ends, there's a new road to turn onto with a small trail access sign and map.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Dino Cliffs Trail is generally free to access. There are no admission fees required to explore the dinosaur tracks and enjoy the scenery.
The Dino Cliffs Trail is an outdoor natural attraction and is typically accessible from dawn to dusk. There are no set operating hours.
There is no entrance fee for the Dino Cliffs Trail. It's a public access area for enjoying the natural landscape and dinosaur tracks.
Yes, you can visit on a weekend. However, some reviews indicate it can be heavily trafficked on Sundays, though the trail spread can still make it feel less crowded.
The Dino Cliffs Trail is an outdoor trail and is generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. Extreme weather conditions could temporarily impact access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Dino Cliffs Trail is a relatively short hike, often described as a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail, totaling about 1 mile. It's considered an easy hike suitable for most ages and abilities.
You can find real dinosaur footprints, with some sources mentioning up to 17 well-preserved tracks. These are presumed to be from dinosaurs like Grallator, Kayentapus, and Eubrontes, which were likely bipedal theropods.
Absolutely! The Dino Cliffs Trail is highly recommended for families and children. It's an easy hike that allows kids to discover and learn about dinosaurs in a fun, interactive way.
Yes, some reviews mention that bathrooms are available and are clean and impressive.
The trail offers pretty amazing views of the Southern Utah desert landscape. It's an underrated trail with gorgeous scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunities are the preserved dinosaur tracks themselves, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric life. The desert landscapes also provide stunning backdrops for photos.
Yes, the tracks are clearly visible in the hardened sedimentary rock, making them relatively easy to photograph. Consider visiting during golden hour for softer light.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you want to capture the expansive desert views, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's always best to check local regulations or park guidelines before flying a drone in natural areas.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the colors of the desert landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water, as Southern Utah can get very hot. While bathrooms are available, it's always good to be prepared. The trail's accessibility and the sheer wonder of seeing dinosaur tracks make it a highly recommended stop for any family visiting the St. George area.
🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Sightseers
It's a great stop for a quick adventure, especially if you're traveling between destinations like Zion National Park or Las Vegas. The combination of natural beauty and prehistoric discovery makes for a memorable experience without requiring a strenuous effort.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Discovering Prehistoric Life
This easy, relatively short hike makes it accessible for families and casual walkers. The experience of standing where these magnificent creatures once walked is truly awe-inspiring. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to engage with history and science in a hands-on way, sparking curiosity and wonder.
While the primary draw is the dinosaur tracks, the trail also offers stunning desert scenery. The panoramic views of the Southern Utah landscape provide a beautiful backdrop, making the hike enjoyable even beyond the paleontological discoveries.
Navigating Access and Trail Conditions
While some reviews suggest that a 4-wheel drive vehicle can be helpful for reaching the trailhead, others have found paved roads that lead within a 15-minute walk. It's recommended to proceed slowly once you're in the vicinity of the new development and look for small trail access signs.
The trail itself is generally described as easy, with a surface of red sand. While this makes for a pleasant walk, it can be a bit slow and messy for shoes. Therefore, wearing sturdy, comfortable footwear is a practical tip for enjoying the hike.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit