The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site is in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area near St. George, Utah. There are 17 footprints at this site. Scientists are unsure what dinosaurs left the tracks, but they believe they were made during the Jurassic Period by bipedal meat-eating theropods. It is a short hike along the Silver Reef Trail, and interpretive signs along the trail allow you to learn more. This area is approximately 140 miles to Bryce Canyon National Park, 134 miles to Grand Canyon National Park, 194 miles to Great Basin National Park, and 41 miles to Zion National Park.
The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is home to the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, with an 11-site campground. You can stay in this Bureau of Land Management camping facility for up to 14 days by paying a nominal fee. You can also find other Burau of Land Management campgrounds that are free or have a minimal cost throughout the United States. These campgrounds usually lie near outstanding recreational opportunities, so search for "BLM camping near me" wherever you travel.
This short trail offers two sets of dinosaur tracks. The first ones are not very visible, but it is difficult to miss the second set. This trail has a slight elevation gain, and you will love looking at the red rocks at the end of the course. It starts in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area.
Length: 0.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Despite the name, this is a lollipop trail through St. George's northwestern downtown residential area. You will love the view of St. George. Use caution as you walk over slickrock so that you do not lose your footing. There are several red rock formations along this trail.
Length: 2.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Many people find the view of Red Mountain from this trail to be beautiful. There is very little shade, so do it in the cool of the dusk or dawn. You will likely see rock climbers and rappellers as you hike along this pet-friendly trail. Since it is a mixed-use trail, you may encounter horses and bikers while hiking.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Sand Hollow State Park is a fantastic place to fish for bass, especially in the spring. Consider fishing from a kayak as it will allow you to move around the lake. Some anglers have luck around the reservoir's island, but most have better luck near the rocks at the southwest corner.
Snow Canyon State Park is a fantastic place to go climbing. There are six distinct climbing routes in this state park, and about 50 percent of the climbs are bolted sports climbs. If you prefer trad climbing, head to Island in the Sky.
The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is a great place to see wildlife, and you will want to begin your visit at the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Visitors Center, where you can engage with animals and see local plant species. Watch for the highly endangered Mojave Desert tortoise when you step over the gate to this 62,000-acre scenic wildlife reserve. You may also see Gila monster, sidewinder rattlesnake, and chuckwallas. This is a unique place because it is where the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau meet.
Ogden Botanical Gardens is a fantastic place for a picnic. You will love seeing the different gardens, where something is almost always in bloom. You may want to look at their calendar and plan your picnic to coincide with one of their classes, like outdoor cooking and cut flower growing.
Very near Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site, you can go RV camping at Red Cliffs Campground. Since you must go through a tunnel to access this campground, RVs over 11 feet 9 inches tall will not fit. Seventeen miles north of St. George, the Baker Dam Campground in the Baker Dam Recreation area is a fabulous place to fish as the state regularly stocks the reservoir with trout. You can also find terrific camping at Snow Canyon State Park. There are 11 sites with electricity and 17 primitive sites.
Finding Bureau of Land Management free camping facilities in this area can be difficult, so consider the options in Dixie National Forest. Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area is popular. There are many hiking trails in this area near Duck Creek Village, Utah. Another terrific choice is the Uinta Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area near Cedar City. This campground is a great place to camp in the summer because it is at a higher elevation. Another terrific option is Gooseberry Mesa, where you can find many mountain biking trails.
While hiking along the Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site, you will be hiking on some slickrock. These are areas of smooth, weathered sandstone that have been worn away over thousands of years. As the name implies, you may find these areas slick when walking. Hiking boots with soft rubber soles with shallow treads will give you the most contact points with the ground, which can prevent you from slipping. These soles tend to wear down faster than other options on the market, so ensure that you inspect your boots often.
The Red Cliffs Recreation Area, including the dinosaur track site, is a fantastic place to visit, and you can make terrific memories there. You will find many great opportunities to go hiking and biking. Consider taking a hot air balloon ride. When you return, you will love sharing photos and stories of your adventures. Before leaving, take a minute and read more about BLM camping.
You should be like the dinosaurs and leave only footprints when visiting this area. Pack out all trash. Be careful where you walk as desert plants are fragile. Only camp in places where you see evidence of people camping in the past, like at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
Note that this site is only accessible from Interstate 15 Northbound, so you may need to go up one exit and make a U-turn. From Interstate 15 Northbound, take exit 22 and turn right on the frontage road. Travel south for two miles. Turn right just beyond the sign for Red Cliffs Recreation Area. You will cross under two freeway tunnels. Take West Red Cliffs Campground Road into Red Cliffs Campground. The trail begins at the north end of the campground.
Address: Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site, Red Cliffs Campground, West Red Cliffs Campground Road, Hurricane, Utah 84737
Ready to visit Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
