Utahraptor State Park

Utahraptor State Park is Utah's newest state park, officially opened on May 23, 2025. Spanning 6,500 acres of dramatic red sandstone formations, deep canyons, and fossil-rich outcrops about 14 miles northwest of Moab, the park preserves one of the most significant paleontological sites in North America. The Dalton Wells Quarry within the park has yielded over 5,500 bones representing more than ten dinosaur species across 45 years of excavation, and paleontologists believe more than 100,000 bones may still await discovery.

The park's namesake, the Utahraptor, was the largest known raptor dinosaur — discovered at this site. Other species found here include the armored Gastonia and the long-necked Moabosaurus, first described from fossils found at this quarry. The visitor center features exhibits on the area's prehistoric life, geological processes, and cultural history, including displays about the Civilian Conservation Corps camp and a World War II-era Japanese American isolation center that once operated on this land.

Recreation opportunities are extensive. The park provides access to the Klonzo mountain biking trail system (24 miles of intermediate terrain) and the Sovereign trail system (50 miles of OHV, ATV, and mountain biking trails). Hiking trails include the 0.8-mile Dalton Wells Quarry Trail to the excavation overlook and the 0.5-mile Utahraptor Historic Trail, an interpretive walk through CCC camp and isolation center ruins.

Camping facilities include two campgrounds with 61+ sites: the Gastonia Campground offers partial hookups with modern restrooms and showers, while primitive sites are also available. The landscape of red rock formations set against the La Sal Mountains makes this a visually stunning base camp for exploring the greater Moab area.

14 miles north of Moab on US-191. The park entrance is on the left (west) side near the Dalton Wells area. About 15-20 minutes from downtown Moab.

Day use does not require reservations. Campsite reservations via reserveamerica.com.