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Dino Cliffs Trail

4.4
·153 reviews·Washington, United States

Discover ancient dinosaur footprints on an easy desert hike with stunning Southern Utah views. A unique, family-friendly adventure!

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Evening

Beat the heat, enjoy cooler temps

CrowdMedium
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Dino Cliffs Trail - Image 1

Dino Cliffs Trail

Best Time

Morning or Evening

Beat the heat, enjoy cooler temps

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient dinosaur footprints on an easy desert hike with stunning Southern Utah views. A unique, family-friendly adventure!

4.4
(153 reviews)

"Walk amongst the dinosaurs! Dino Cliffs trail is an easy hike with well-preserved dino tracks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Footprints

Dinosaur Footprints

Dino Cliffs Trail

Walk in the footsteps of giants! Discover real dinosaur tracks preserved in ancient rock formations.

Scenic Desert Views

Scenic Desert Views

Dino Cliffs Trail

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Southern Utah desert landscape.

Easy Family-Friendly Hike

Easy Family-Friendly Hike

Dino Cliffs Trail

A short, accessible trail perfect for all ages, offering a fun and educational outdoor experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Dino Cliffs Trail

New construction has altered access. While some reviews suggest 4WD is helpful for reaching the trailhead, others mention paved roads leading close by. Using Google Maps for navigation is recommended, as trail markers can be scarce. InstagramReddit

Best Time to Visit for Comfort

Temperatures in St. George can exceed 100°F, making midday hikes challenging. Visiting during cooler morning or evening hours is advised to avoid extreme heat and enjoy the scenic views more comfortably. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning or Evening
Why
Beat the heat, enjoy cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🦖 Where to find dinosaur tracks near @zionnps! 🦖 On the Dino Cliffs Trail near @stgeorgecityutah you can see real dinosaur footprints along the hike. Here’s what to expect, where to find the dinosaur tracks, and tips for visiting. If you’re searching for where to find dinosaur tracks in Utah, the Dino Cliffs Trail is the perfect stop for families, hikers, and anyone else who loves natural hist...
tarahchieffi
18 likes • 505 views

🚗 Navigate Construction

Construction may affect access. Use Google Maps and go slow; look for small trail signs. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The red sand can be a bit slow and messy for shoes. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort. Reddit

The Dino Cliffs Dinosaur Tracks Trail SAVE THIS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE and be sure to follow @goemiwhere for more family-friendly hiking trails. 🦕 The Dino Cliffs Dinosaur Tracks Trail is a 0.5 mile out-and-back trail (total of 1 mile) near St. George, UT. It is an easy hike that is suitable for most ages and abilities. 🦕 There is a portion of the trail that has fairly deep sand and is uphill o...
goemiwhere
39 likes • 747 views
Walk amongst the dinosaurs! Dino Cliffs trail just outside of St George, UT is an easy 0.5mi hike with minimal elevation. In the hardened sedimentary rock you can find 17 well preserved dino tracks presumed to be from Grallator, Kayentapus, and Eubrontes dinosaurs, which paleontologists suggest were bipedal, meat-eating theropods during the Jurassic Period. Enjoy! . . . . . #dinosaur #tracks #uta...
fulltimefreebirds
37 likes • 606 views

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Southern Utah can be very hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated on your adventure. Reddit

🗺️ Use Navigation Apps

Trail markers are minimal. Google Maps or similar apps are essential for staying on track. Reddit

The land of the dinosaurs 🦖🦖🦖 Save this for your next trip to St. George! It’s about a 10-minute experience that you’ll remember forever! Directions: Type in “Dino Cliffs Trail” into Apple Maps and it will lead you right there. It can feel confusing, however, because you’ll turn off onto a dirt road that is currently being shared by giant construction trucks who are busy developing a new neighbo...
utah.fun.guide
31.3K likes • 1.7M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Navigate Construction

Construction may affect access. Use Google Maps and go slow; look for small trail signs. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The red sand can be a bit slow and messy for shoes. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Southern Utah can be very hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated on your adventure. Reddit

🗺️ Use Navigation Apps

Trail markers are minimal. Google Maps or similar apps are essential for staying on track. Reddit

☀️ Avoid Midday Sun

Temperatures soar above 100°F. Plan your hike for cooler morning or evening hours. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(153 reviews)

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

Real dinosaur tracks
Easy, family-friendly hike
Scenic desert views

What People Dislike

Confusing access
Intense heat

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

The Dino Cliffs Trail is an outdoor natural attraction and is typically accessible from dawn to dusk. There are no set operating hours. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for the Dino Cliffs Trail. It's a public access area for enjoying the natural landscape and dinosaur tracks. Instagram

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. Reddit

The Dino Cliffs Trail is an outdoor trail and is generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. Extreme weather conditions could temporarily impact access. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Yes, some reviews mention that bathrooms are available and are clean and impressive. Reddit

The trail offers pretty amazing views of the Southern Utah desert landscape. It's an underrated trail with gorgeous scenery. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you want to capture the expansive desert views, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. Instagram

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. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the colors of the desert landscape. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Dino Cliffs Trail is an absolute gem for families! It's an easy, short hike (around 1 mile round trip) that makes it perfect for little legs. The main attraction – real dinosaur footprints – will captivate children and spark their imagination. Instagram+1 It’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to paleontology and the prehistoric world in a fun, accessible setting. Instagram

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Casual Hikers & Sightseers

For those looking for a short, scenic walk with a unique historical twist, the Dino Cliffs Trail is ideal. The hike is minimal in terms of elevation gain and distance, making it a relaxed way to stretch your legs. Instagram You'll be rewarded with impressive desert views and the fascinating opportunity to see genuine dinosaur tracks. Instagram

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Discovering Prehistoric Life

The Dino Cliffs Trail is a remarkable destination for anyone fascinated by paleontology. Here, you can witness real dinosaur footprints preserved in the ancient sedimentary rock, offering a tangible connection to the Jurassic period. These tracks are believed to be from theropods like Grallator, Kayentapus, and Eubrontes, which roamed the area over 200 million years ago. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Navigating Access and Trail Conditions

Accessing the Dino Cliffs Trail has become a bit more complex due to ongoing new construction in the area. Some visitors have noted that the direct route might be altered, and it's advisable to use navigation apps like Google Maps, as trail markers can be sparse. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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