Silver Reef Trail + Dinosaur Tracks

Located within the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, the Silver Reef Trail and Dinosaur Tracks area is a must see and is easily accessible via a short hike. Note that there is a small entrance fee and parking is quite limited. Arrive here early to secure a spot, and while you’re here be sure to check out some of the longer trails in the area including the fabulous Red Reef Trail.

The Silver Reef Trail begins on the campground loop, just behind some vault toilets. Walk a short distance up the trail and veer to the right to view the first dinosaur track area. The fossil footprints found preserved in the sandstone here were first discovered in 1998. The area features 17 well-preserved tracks (although I wasn’t able to spot that many). The tracks have been identified as Grallator, Kayentapus, and Eubrontes tracks that were left here probably around 190 million years ago.

Continuing along the Silver Reef Trail you’ll come across another single Eubrontes track. The trail continues its short but steep climb up to a small viewpoint. From here you’ll have a solid view of the surrounding Red Cliffs Recreation Area.

Return the way you came and descend until you again reach the campground area.