Paleo News: Utahraptor State Park–Preserving Dinosaur and Human History
by Ben Dlin
A cast of the lower jawbone of an Iguanodon displayed at the visitor center.
Utah’s newest state park, Utahraptor State Park, opened May 23, 2025, and offers an illuminating glimpse into the deep past when ancient creatures roamed the land, as well as a poignant reminder of more recent history. Situated about 15 miles northwest of Moab in Grand County, the park spans over 6,500 acres and encompasses the Dalton Wells and Willow Springs area.
A Window into the Age of Dinosaurs
The Dalton Wells Quarry is one of North America’s largest dinosaur bone beds. Excavations have uncovered over 5,500 bones representing more than 10 dinosaur species, including the park’s namesake, Utahraptor ostrommaysorum. This formidable predator, measuring up to 20 feet in length, lived during the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 125 million years ago. The quarry also yielded fossils of other dinosaurs such as Gastonia, a heavily armored herbivore, and Moabosaurus, a long-necked plant-eater.
Utahraptor skeleton.
The bone-bearing geological layer at Dalton Wells is the Yellow Cat Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation, among the most productive dinosaur fossil-bearing units in the state. The Yellow Cat Member is mostly drab-colored mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone deposited by ancient rivers and floodplains. These sediments were deeply buried, compacted, and cemented into rock before being exposed by uplift and erosion, enabling paleontologists to study the prehistoric environments where dinosaurs once lived and how those environments changed over time.
Utah State Paleontologist Dr. James Kirkland emphasized the significance of the Dalton Wells Quarry, describing it as “the most important dinosaur site in the United States” due to its extensive deposits of dinosaur bones. At least 10 species found here have not been identified elsewhere in North America. He further highlighted the site’s exceptional diversity and richness, stating, “It’s a gold mine of new dinosaurs. There are 30 that are only found here in Moab Valley…. Dalton Wells has more kinds of dinosaurs than Dinosaur National Monument” (Read More). Dr. Kirkland believes that there may be more than 100,000 fossils still buried at the Dalton Wells Quarry.
Echoes of Human History
Beyond its paleontological significance, the park is a site of historical importance. In the 1930s, the Dalton Wells area housed a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, part of a New Deal program aimed at providing employment through the Great Depression. During World War II, the camp was repurposed as an internment facility for Japanese Americans deemed “troublemakers” by U.S. authorities. New interpretive displays in the Visitors Center highlight this history and provide a striking impression of the impacts of this troubling time in U.S. domestic politics.
Grand Opening and Visitor Center
On May 23, 2025, Utahraptor State Park officially opened its doors to the public. The grand opening ceremony celebrated the culmination of years of planning and development. The park features modern amenities, including a campground with 61 sites, flush restrooms, showers, and trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, and OHV use.
Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry speaks at the grand opening of the new state park in May 2025.
A standout feature of the park is its visitor center, which offers engaging exhibits on both the area’s prehistoric and cultural histories. Visitors can explore displays showcasing dinosaur fossils, learn about the geological processes that shaped the landscape, and reflect on the human stories tied to the land. The center serves as an educational hub, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s rich and multifaceted heritage.
One of the most significant changes to the area is the management of grounds and facilities; the Utah Division of State Parks will maintain staff on site to assist visitors, and, importantly, help safeguard paleontological sites. As this has been an area of paleontological study for over 50 years, scientists have had to contend with disturbance, vandalism, theft, and even the use of fossils as fire rings for campfires. Management on site will help ensure that these irreplaceable natural resources are maintained for future generations.
A Legacy Preserved
Utahraptor State Park stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with the distant past of dinosaurs and the more recent history of human resilience and reflection. As visitors explore the park, they are invited to consider the layers of time that have shaped this remarkable landscape.
Visit Utahraptor State Park
For more information on visiting Utahraptor State Park, including hours, fees, and trail maps, please visit the official website.
