Uncovering Prehistoric Wonders in Greater Zion

Experience the thrill of Jurassic World Rebirth in theaters, then walk in real dinosaur tracks

Photo Credit: St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

As the nation celebrates the roaring release of Jurassic World Rebirth, Greater Zion offers a prehistoric adventure that even Hollywood can’t replicate. We invite you to explore where dinosaurs roamed millions of years ago. 

From the remarkable fossil discoveries at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm to the pristine trackways at Warner Valley, this region offers a unique blend of natural history and adventure that can captivate both fans of the Jurassic Park franchise and budding paleontologists.

The variety of dinosaur-related sights available in Greater Zion makes it impossible to squeeze into one day. Plan for two or three days to provide ample time to acquaint yourself with Greater Zion’s prehistoric charm.

Download a free copy of this map and check off the locations as you explore Greater Zion

The Ultimate Destination for Dinosaur Lovers

Greater Zion is a living museum set to captivate anyone with an interest in the ancient past. Whether you’re marveling at the scientifically accurate T. rex on temporary display at the Red Cliffs Mall or spotting Grallator tracks at the Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site, each stop offers a deeper connection to the creatures that once ruled the Earth.

Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks

Just a short drive from civilization, you can literally walk in dinosaur footsteps at the Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site. This attraction is a short 0.6-mile round-trip hike with quality trackways. If you get close, you might even see toe pads and claw marks. It was originally thought to hold 161 tracks, but a 2010 site investigation revealed more than 400 dinosaur footprints. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the tracks are lower-Jurassic in age, or about 190 million years old. As you take a desert stroll, you’ll feel the connection between the land and the creatures that once dominated it. It’s a thrilling real-world counterpart to Jurassic World Rebirth.

Adventure Details:

• Best visited early in the morning from May to September or anytime during October to April.
• Bring plenty of water
• No fees for day use

Silver Reef Trail

Take a hike into the prehistoric past on the Silver Reef Trail. A short 0.4-mile loop trail leads to the Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site, containing well-preserved Eubrontes, Kanyentapus, and Grallator tracks. This adventure combines hiking, geological history, and paleontology in one package. It’s a stop any dinosaur fan should be eager to experience.

These fossil footprints were first discovered in 1998, and when re-examined in 2012, paleontologists found 17 tracks dating back 190 million years. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the region’s unique geological heritage — Silver Reef was mined for its deposits of silver, the only known silver ore deposits in a sandstone formation in the world. As you hike through the Silver Reef Trail, you’ll see how geology played a pivotal role in preserving the fossilized remnants we enjoy today.

Trail Highlights:

• Day Use Fee: $5 per vehicle (America the Beautiful passes accepted)
• Multiple dinosaur track locations, especially if you include the Red Reef East Trail (See the Two-Day Itinerary for more information.)

The Phytosaur at Zion National Park [Temporary]

Photo Credit: Zion Forever Project

Even Zion National Park holds prehistoric secrets. The Zion Human History Museum features the End Triassic Extinction exhibit. It includes a model phytosaur skull and other Triassic-related history. While many of us are familiar with the towering giants of the Jurassic period, fewer know about the unique Phytosaur — an ancient reptile that lived during the Triassic period, long before the famous dinosaurs of the Jurassic Park franchise.

This temporary exhibit examines the pivotal transition from the Triassic to the Jurassic period (227-180 million years ago), showcasing groundbreaking research conducted right within Zion’s boundaries. The exhibit offers both educational insights and a glimpse into the ancient ecosystems that once thrived in the region, providing context for understanding the prehistoric world that preceded the age of dinosaurs.

Museum Information:

• Zion National Park Road, Springdale, UT 84767
• Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer
• On display until November 30, 2026

The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm isn’t a traditional museum. It’s built directly over an active trackway where Dr. Sheldon Johnson discovered thousands of well-preserved dinosaur footprints from the Early Jurassic period. Many of the casts show detailed skin impressions, foot pads, claw marks, and dew claws, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into life approximately 200 million years ago. The museum also features life-sized models of prehistoric animals, interactive displays, and a working fossil preparation lab where you can watch paleontologists at work.

What truly sets this site apart is that it is still active. Across the street from the existing museum, you can see evidence of current excavation. This project has resulted in the discovery of more than a thousand fossils. The museum is currently seeking volunteers to catalog their findings and is scheduled to open a “Dig for a Day” program in the fall of 2025. You can step into the shoes of a paleontologist and dig for actual fossils.

Planning Your Visit:

• Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Admission: $9 for seniors 70+, $10 for adults 18+, $5 for kids 5-17 years old, kids under 4 are free
• utahdinosaurs.org

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park

If you have younger children, consider adding Thunder Junction All Abilities Park to the prehistoric lineup. This dinosaur-themed park features completely wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, an “erupting” volcano with slides, a splash pad, and a roaring C.P. Huntington 1/4-scale train on a 2,700-foot track.

What makes Thunder Junction special is its dedication to serving children of all abilities, with soft mat surfaces instead of bark and ramps providing access to all areas. The park creates a welcoming environment where every family member can enjoy playing together.

Planning Your Visit:

• 1851 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, UT 84770
• Open: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Train Summer Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-noon & 4-7 p.m.

More Than the Past

The prehistoric past is strongly represented in Greater Zion, but it doesn’t need to be the sole focus of your vacation. Ride bikes through Snow Canyon State Park, enjoy a performance at Tuacahn Center for the Arts, or relax at a world-class spa. Greater Zion offers more than 2,400 square miles of adventure and inspiration. Walking with giants from the Jurassic period is simply the beginning.

View a two-day itinerary that explores the prehistoric past with suggestions for additional experiences. For maps, lodging options, and additional trip-planning resources, visit GreaterZion.com.