Footprints in Stone: Exploring Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail Near Moab
Kneel to See the Past — How a Short Moab Outing Connects You to Jurassic Time
By the time the first light slides over the La Sal Mountains, the sandstone in Mill Canyon is already warming. You can feel it under your boots — a slow, ancient heat that comes from stones baked by millennia and preserved in layers of red and cream. Walk a few paces and the ground changes from loose sand to a natural showroom: shallow depressions, elongated ellipses, and clawed impressions that read like a long-forgotten script. These are not weathered potholes but real dinosaur trackways, frozen in the Jurassic and waiting for the careful observer.
Trail Wisdom
Respect the prints
Stay on the marked trail and avoid stepping on or touching fossilized footprints — oils and abrasion accelerate deterioration.
Bring ample water
Even for a short visit, carry at least 1–2 liters per person; shade is limited and summer temperatures climb quickly.
Wear grippy shoes
Traction on slickrock and uneven slabs matters more than ankle support — opt for sturdy hiking shoes with sticky soles.
Time for light
Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for the best shadows to reveal footprint contours and to avoid midday heat.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small outcrops and undisrupted slabs just off the main path often show finer, lesser-known tracks — look but don’t touch
- •Combine the trail with a short stop at a nearby roadside overlook for wide desert panoramas and birdwatching
Wildlife
Mule deer, Common desert lizards and ravens
Conservation Note
Visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace: stay on established paths, don’t touch or remove fossils, and pack out all trash to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.
The trackways in Mill Canyon are preserved in Jurassic-age sandstone and were first documented by local researchers and rockhounds in the 20th century; their discovery helped draw attention to the region’s paleontological record.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower displays, Comfortable daytime temps, Photography at golden hour
Challenges: Occasional wind, Cool mornings and evenings
Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming desert plants; plan for brisk starts and stronger winds in exposed areas.
summer
Best for: Long daylight hours, Pairing with early-morning outings, Low chance of rain
Challenges: High heat, Strong sun exposure, Limited shade
Summer brings intense heat — aim for pre-dawn visits and bring extra water and sun protection to avoid heat stress.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Pleasant hiking temps, Clear skies for photos
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Cooler nights
Fall is ideal for comfortable hiking and crisp light; mornings can be cool so layer up for early starts.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Crisp clear air, Photography with low-angle sun
Challenges: Cold snaps, Occasional icy patches on slickrock
Winter visits are quiet and striking, but be prepared for cold mornings and the potential for slickrock frost or ice.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Hydration pack or 1–2 L water bottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated in exposed desert conditions where shade is rare.
Sturdy hiking shoes with good tractionEssential
Provides grip on slickrock and protects feet on rough, uneven surfaces.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+)Essential
High-desert sun is intense; protection prevents sunburn and glare in photos.
Camera or wide-angle smartphone lens
Low-angle shots and close-up details render the prints and the surrounding textures more dramatically.
Common Questions
How long is the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail?
The trail is short — roughly 1.5–2 miles round-trip depending on route choices — and typically takes 1–2 hours including stops for observation.
Is there an entrance fee or permit required?
Public access is generally free for trail visits, but check local signage for any area-specific restrictions and respect posted rules.
Can I touch the dinosaur tracks or take samples?
No — touching or removing fossil material is prohibited; oils from hands and abrasion can irreversibly damage prints.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Policies vary; bring dogs on a leash where permitted, but be prepared to keep them off delicate slabs and clean up after them.
Is the site accessible for people with limited mobility?
Much of the surface is uneven slickrock and loose dirt, so accessibility is limited — assistance or adaptive equipment may be needed for those with mobility challenges.
When is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon provides cooler temperatures and the best angled light to reveal print details.
What to Pack
Water (1–2 L), sturdy hiking shoes for slickrock, sun hat and SPF for desert sun, camera for low-angle prints
Did You Know
Mill Canyon preserves visible dinosaur trackways in Jurassic sandstone — these fossilized footprints are direct evidence of dinosaur activity preserved in the sedimentary record.
Quick Travel Tips
(1) Visit early or late for best light and temps; (2) Park in designated areas and watch for loose sand near trailheads; (3) Bring sufficient water—no reliable water sources on-site; (4) Do not touch or climb on track-bearing slabs to preserve them.
Local Flavor
Moab’s local scene blends outdoor grit with casual hospitality: grab breakfast tacos and strong coffee before a morning visit, and celebrate the sunset later with local craft beer and trail stories—locals prize conservation-minded visitors who leave no trace.
Logistics Snapshot
Distance: ~1.5–2 miles round-trip; Difficulty: easy; Time: 1–2 hours; Best time: sunrise or late afternoon; Facilities: limited—bring water and sun protection.
Sustainability Note
Protect the fossil surfaces by staying on marked paths and avoiding contact with track-bearing slabs; support local conservation groups that fund interpretive signage and trail maintenance.