Dino Cliffs Trail

The trail is easily accessible with parking available at the trailhead. Specific parking details can often be found on local park websites or through navigation apps.

Yes, this trail is dog-friendly! Please ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times to protect the local wildlife and for the safety of other hikers.

The Dino Cliffs Trail is accessible year-round. However, for the most comfortable experience, consider hiking during the cooler months from fall through spring. Summer temperatures in Southern Utah can be very high, so if hiking then, start early and carry plenty of water.

The Dino Cliffs Trail is located within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for day hiking on this trail, but it's always a good idea to check the official BLM website for any current regulations or changes before your visit.

This trail is generally considered easy to moderate. The eastern end is particularly easy and great for beginners. While much of it is smooth, you will encounter some uphill climbs on slickrock and sandy sections that can be more demanding. The total climbing is around 300 feet.

Absolutely! The Dino Cliffs Trail is very family-friendly, especially the shorter sections leading to the dinosaur footprints. It's a fantastic opportunity for children to explore and learn about ancient history in an engaging outdoor setting.

You'll encounter a varied terrain including singletrack, dirt, and sandy sections. There are also areas of smooth Navajo sandstone (slickrock) and some small ledges. Be prepared for some portions with fairly deep sand and uphill slickrock climbs.

The primary attraction is the remarkable collection of well-preserved dinosaur footprints. You can find these at Dinosaur Tracks at Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Dinosaur Tracks. These tracks are believed to be from theropods like Grallator, Kayentapus, and Eubrontes, offering a direct link to the Jurassic period.

Yes, the trail provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Southern Utah desert. You'll hike along low red cliffs with frequent views of beautiful red rock formations. To the north, the tall, volcanic Pine Valley Mountains create a dramatic backdrop.

Yes, the Dino Cliffs Trail serves as a connection to other popular routes in the area. It intersects with sections of the Grapevine and Prospector trails, offering opportunities to extend your hike or explore different loops.

The main section of the trail, especially to see the dinosaur footprints, can be done as a short, easy hike, often around 1 mile round trip. The full route, as mapped, is approximately 2.9 km (1.8 miles) and typically takes around 45-50 minutes to complete at a moderate pace.