Explore dinosaur tracks, authentic petroglyphs and wide-open viewpoints on a six-hour guided loop across Gooseberry and Wire Mesa. Short hikes and easy dirt roads make this a photo-rich outing with geological and cultural highlights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You crest a low red bench of sandstone and the valley opens — Zion's cliffs sit distant and aluminum-blue, while the trail underfoot crunches with desert grit. The morning light turns the mesas incandescent; a guide points out a shallow trough in the rock and you suddenly see the fossilized impression of a dinosaur step, a tiny echo of a prehistoric march.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to hike 15–30 minutes on uneven terrain and handle short elevation changes
Wildlife
History
Petroglyphs in the region are attributed to Southern Paiute people and earlier inhabitants; the mesas also preserve footprints from Mesozoic reptiles in well-cemented sandstone layers.
Conservation
These sites are sensitive: petroglyphs, tracks and cryptobiotic soils are non-renewable—stay on durable surfaces, avoid touching rock art, and pack out all waste.
Reserve your spot on the Zion National Park Petroglyphs, Dino tracks and More! today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring at least 2 liters of water
Desert air and sun in exposed mesa terrain will dehydrate you quickly; carry more on hot days.
Wear sturdy, grippy footwear
Sandstone and loose dirt require shoes with good traction and ankle support for the short hikes.
Avoid mid-day heat
Start early or late afternoon—temperatures can spike and wash out photos during peak sun.
Respect rock art and fossils
Do not touch petroglyphs or fossil tracks; oils and abrasion damage these non-renewable resources.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on sandstone slickrock and uneven dirt trails.
2+ liters water and hydration pack
Essential in desert conditions to avoid dehydration on exposed mesa hikes.
Sun hat + sunscreen
Protects from strong sun on exposed trails and while photographing vistas.
summer
Camera or binoculars
Useful for capturing distant Zion panoramas and close-ups of petroglyph panels.