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Utah
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Red Fleet State Park
Red Fleet State Park © Carpenter, Kenneth / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eubrontes track in the Nugget Sandstone, Red Fleet State Park.
Red Fleet State Park © Scott Catron from Sandy, Utah, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Facilities from the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway trail
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RED FLEET STATE PARK
RED FLEET STATE PARK
8750 North Highway 191
Vernal, Utah   84078
(lat:40.5872 lon:-109.4434) map location

Phone: 435-789-6614
Dinosaurs inhabited the land in and around present-day Vernal. Red Fleet State Park is home to numerous dinosaur tracks. These tracks are believed to be more than 200 million years old. Paleontologists can tell from these tracks preserved in Nugget sandstone that the dinosaurs were three-toed tridactyl and walked on two legs bipedal. The tracks range from three to 17 inches. The second site of about 40 dinosaur tracks of four to five inches, in the more recent Carmel Formation, has been found in the area, however, the species has not yet been identified.

The tracks can be reached by hiking a 1.5-mile trail that is somewhat strenuous because of its several uphill and downhill sections. The best viewing times of the tracks are early morning or late afternoon. The tracks are somewhat difficult to see when the sun is directly overhead.

Opened to the public as a state park in 1988.
History of the Area
Two hundred million years ago, this area looked like the Sahara Desert. Like the Sahara, the area had oases of shallow desert lakes called playas. Dinosaurs journeyed to the small playas among the dunes. We know this from the tracks they left behind in the wet sand. Hundreds of dinosaur tracks now lay exposed in the Nuggett Sandstone.

A three-mile, round-trip trail leads to the dinosaur track site. The hike covers varied terrain and is strenuous with a lot of uphill and downhill segments. Best viewing of tracks is early morning or late afternoon. Tracks are difficult to see when the sun is directly overhead.

Disturbing or removing rock from this area is prohibited. Please leave the dinosaur footprints for other visitors to enjoy. Report any vandalism to a park ranger.

To reach the tracks, travel north one mile on Highway 191. Turn right at the sign and drive 2.3 miles to the trailhead. Take drinking water.
Swimming
1. Red Fleet State Park offers a designated swimming area with sandy beaches.
2. The park's reservoir is open for public swimming during summer months.
3. Swimming at the Dinosaur Trackway, however, is prohibited to preserve the fossils.
4. Life jackets are recommended due to deep waters and sudden drop-offs in some areas of the lake.
5. No lifeguard service is available; visitors swim at their own risk within marked boundaries only.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a beautiful reservoir, home to rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Ice-fishing is popular during winter months.


Location
Red Fleet State Park is
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Picnicking
Red Fleet State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, surrounded by beautiful sandstone formations and a reservoir.
Bicycling
Visitors can explore over 10 miles of mountain biking trails, suitable for various skill levels. Be cautious on steep sections.

The J-Boy Trail offers a challenging ride with technical features and stunning views; safety gear is recommended.

For beginners or families, the Dino Flow trail provides an easier route but still requires attention to avoid obstacles.

Remember that desert conditions may affect your cycling experience: bring plenty of water and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Check local regulations before you set off as some areas might not allow bikes due to environmental concerns.

Always respect wildlife by keeping distance and never feeding them - remember we are guests in their home!

Night riding isn't advised because it's easy to get lost when visibility decreases after sunset.

Please note that all cyclists must yield right-of-way to hikers on shared paths out of courtesy & safety reasons.

Lastly, always wear helmets while bicycling here - they're mandatory!

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