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.

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.