Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail

The trail is open year-round. However, during the summer months, it's highly recommended to plan your visit for early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat, as there is limited shade along the route.

The terrain is varied, featuring slickrock, unpaved boardwalk sections, and uneven ground with gentle grades. You'll also encounter sandy ravines and a path that follows a small ridge. While generally easy, some sections can be off-camber or consist of uneven packed dirt.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to see fossilized dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock, precisely where they were discovered. It's like an outdoor museum, with 16 interpretive signs explaining the bones, the dinosaurs (such as Allosaurus and Stegosaurus), and the ancient environment of the Morrison Formation. You can also spot petrified wood and packrat nests.

Yes, this is considered an easy and family-friendly trail. Its relatively short length and the engaging interpretive signs about dinosaurs make it a great educational outing for all ages.

The provided information does not explicitly state whether dogs are allowed. It's best to check with local land management agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for their current pet policies regarding this specific trail.

No, there is no mention of permits or entrance fees required for hiking the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail. It's described as a less crowded alternative to national parks, implying it operates without such requirements.

The trailhead is located just north of Moab, Utah. Parking is available at the trailhead. However, be aware that the road leading to the trailhead can be challenging, with rocky and uneven sections. A high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle may be required, especially in wet conditions.

The trail is approximately 0.9 to 1.25 miles round-trip. While the Komoot tour data suggests a quicker duration, most hikers can expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the trail and reading the interpretive signs, depending on their pace and interest in the fossils.

Along the route, you'll encounter the main attraction: the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bones and Tracksite, where you can observe fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in the rock. The trail also offers striking desert scenery with multicolored Jurassic rock layers and views of Mill Canyon.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Dinosaur Bone Hiking Trail and the Dinosaur Trail.

It is crucial to stay on the designated trail and respect the fragility of the fossils. It is illegal to remove or deface any fossils or natural features. Please help preserve this unique outdoor museum for future visitors.