Utahraptor State Park

Utahraptor State Park is located roughly 15 miles northwest of Moab and has one of the largest dinosaur bone beds in North America. Over 5,500 bones representing more than ten dinosaur species have been recovered during the site’s 45-year history of excavation and discovery. Species found include the Utahraptor, the armored Gastonia and the long-necked sauropod Moabosaurus. Paleontologists believe more than 100,000 bones may await discovery at the site. Utahraptor also offers recreational activities, such as off-roading, hiking and mountain biking—making this a state park that captures the breadth of Utah’s allure.

History

In 2021, the Utah State Legislature created Utahraptor State Park in Grand County. This new state park interprets the Dalton Wells Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Moab Isolation Center Historic Site, as well as protect important paleontological resources from the early Cretaceous period (125 million years ago). Utahraptor State Park is also a popular recreation spot that includes the Sovereign Trail System, a network of approximately 50 miles of motorized single and double track trails.

dinosaur skeleton

 

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59°F
L: 56° H: 82°
clear sky
Wind: 5 mph SW
Air Quality: Moderate
Daily Forecast Hourly Forecast
Today
56° / 82°°F 0 mm 0% 5 mph 48 % 1017 mb 0 mm/h

In-Season Hours (3/1 – 11/30):
Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Off-Season Hours (12/1 – 2/28)
Tuesday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Phone: 435-259-3770

Visitor Center: WiFi available at Visitor Center

Management
Park Manager: Brad Walker

Activities

 Archaeology Site
 Biking
 Camping
 Dark Sky
 Heritage Area
 Hiking
 JR. Ranger
all-terrain-trail-22-rev
 OHV
 Picnicking
 Wildlife

Amenities

 Drinking Water
 Dump Station
 Dumpster
 Electricity
 Fire Pits
 Gift Shop
 Parking
 Pets Allowed
 Picnic tables
 Restrooms
 Showers
 Sewage Disposal
 Shade Shelter
 Vault Toilets
 Visitor Center
 Water In Site
 Wifi Access

Lodging

 Hookups-Partial
 Primitive Site
 RV
 Tent Pad
 Water In Site

Map

For a high contrast map, click the green icon in the top right of the map and choose 'Grayscale Enhanced Contrast Map.'

Welcome to Utahraptor State Park

Events

Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits (SUPs) are required for any event or activity beyond the activities of normal park use. Commercial activities such as filming, photography, hiking tours, biking tours, workshops and drone usage all require a SUPs.

How to apply: Complete the SUP application at least 30 days prior to the event. Some commercial activities will need to supply a current commercial general liability COI (listing to Utah Division of State Parks, 1594 W. North Temple #116, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 as additionally insured). Required limits vary depending on the activity/event.

Hikers on a guided tour

Drone Regulations

A Drone Permission Form is required to fly a drone in Utahraptor State Park.  The following is not allowed:

  • No flying over campgrounds or dispersed camping areas.
  • No flying over any park facilities.
  • No flying while special events are occurring.
Drone over a utahraptor state park

Biological Soil Crust

Please help protect the desert by preserving its fragile biological soil crust (cryptobiotic soil). This living, black, knobby crust is the foundation of desert plant life. Because it is exceptionally delicate, a single footstep can cause long-lasting damage to the entire ecosystem that takes decades to heal. You can can preserve this vital soil by following these simple guidelines:

  • Stay on trails: Always use designated roads, routes and paths.
  • Step carefully: If off-trail travel is necessary, walk only on bare rock or sandy washes.

Your cooperation preserves the desert’s natural beauty and keeps our trails open for future generations.

Biological soil crust