Moab, Utah is already famous for its red rock arches, off-road trails, and endless adventure. But just outside of town lies a relatively new addition to Utah’s outdoor legacy — Utahraptor State Park. This up-and-coming destination offers a mix of paleontology, history, and raw desert beauty. For travelers with a passion for dinosaurs, geology, or exploring places few others have discovered, Utahraptor State Park is a must-see stop.
Whether you are planning a guided tour through Moab’s rugged terrain or looking to uncover something new off the beaten path, this fossil-rich area offers a fascinating new perspective on the region’s wild past.
Utahraptor State Park was officially created in 2021 to preserve and highlight one of the most important dinosaur fossil sites in the world. The park spans over 6,500 acres of desert just 15 miles northwest of Moab and is named after the Utahraptor, a massive feathered predator that once roamed this area nearly 125 million years ago.
The centerpiece of the park is the Dalton Wells Quarry, a fossil bed where paleontologists have unearthed bones from several species of ancient creatures. Among them is the park’s namesake, the Utahraptor ostrommaysorum — the largest known raptor species ever discovered. Measuring up to 23 feet long and covered in feathers, the Utahraptor would have been a terrifying predator during the Early Cretaceous period.
But Utahraptor State Park isn’t just about fossils. It also offers a snapshot of Moab’s mining and land-use history, with remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps, uranium-era activity, and historic roads still visible across the landscape.
While Utah is known for its national parks and classic outdoor experiences, Utahraptor State Park offers something different. It blends paleontology, history, and solitude in a setting that feels both ancient and untouched.
Here are a few reasons why Utahraptor State Park deserves a spot on your Moab itinerary:
The Dalton Wells area has yielded some of the most significant fossil finds in the region. The Utah Geological Survey and partnering universities continue to excavate bones and research the massive predators that once ruled the area. Seeing the fossil site in person is an incredible reminder of the prehistoric world hidden beneath the desert soil.
Visitors can explore the general area and learn about the paleontological work that continues today. Interpretive signage is in the works as the park’s infrastructure continues to grow.
Unlike Arches or Canyonlands, Utahraptor State Park is still in its early development stages. That means no crowds, no packed parking lots, and no long waits. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a site that most travelers haven’t even heard of yet.
This also makes it a perfect destination for guided tours that can take you through rugged terrain and give you a deeper understanding of the area. With fewer people and more open space, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered something truly unique.
The terrain surrounding Utahraptor State Park is rugged and vast. Off-road tours that explore this region offer the perfect combination of adrenaline and education. You can experience the thrill of climbing slickrock hills or navigating desert washes, then stop to learn about ancient creatures and Moab’s rich past.
Outlaw Adventure Tours can help you build a day trip that pairs high-energy riding with meaningful moments at the fossil site. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the land you’re exploring once you understand what lies beneath it.
While the fossils are what put Utahraptor State Park on the map, the landscape is equally breathtaking. With views of the La Sal Mountains in the distance and sculpted rock formations all around, the area offers classic Utah scenery without the crowds.
Photographers, hikers, and geology buffs will all find plenty to love here. The sandstone layers tell a story of millions of years of shifting climates, ancient rivers, and long-lost ecosystems.
Utahraptor State Park is located about 15 miles northwest of Moab, off U.S. Highway 191. The entrance is near Dalton Wells Road, a dirt route that can be rough in places. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and during wet weather the road can become muddy and hard to navigate.
If you're not familiar with the area or want to avoid the hassle of navigation and rough roads, a guided off-road tour is a great option. Outlaw Adventure Tours can take you straight to the park and show you hidden features you might miss on your own.
Because Utahraptor is still a developing park, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Standing at the edge of Dalton Wells Quarry, it’s hard not to imagine a feathered Utahraptor stalking its prey through the prehistoric jungle that once covered this land. The bones found here are a direct link to a time long before humans, and visiting the park offers a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of giants.
Utahraptor State Park adds a whole new dimension to Moab’s outdoor offerings. Whether you’re a science nerd, history buff, or off-road adventurer, this is a place where discovery feels real.
At Outlaw Adventure Tours, we believe the best way to experience Moab is with dust on your boots and stories in your heart. Our expert guides can take you beyond the popular routes and into places like Utahraptor State Park, where history is still being uncovered.
Ready to chase giants? Let’s make it happen.
