Stunning Arizona Dinosaur Tracks – Hiding in Plain Sight • Traveling with Purpose

Driving north on Arizona Highway 89 through the vast open spaces of the Navajo [Diné] Nation, I nearly missed the turnoff entirely — and almost drove past the Moenave Arizona Dinosaur Tracks – one of Northern Arizona’s most remarkable hidden gems. But once I turned off the highway and stepped out of the car, I walked just a few feet, and dozens of tracks were impossible to miss.

The ancient dinosaur footprints pressed deep into the sandstone, left behind by prehistoric creatures that roamed this desert landscape more than 200 million years ago, long before the Grand Canyon was carved or Monument Valley’s mesas rose from the desert floor. Finding the Moenave, Arizona Dinosaur Tracks, just off Highway 160 near Tuba City, takes a keen eye on the road, but the reward is absolutely worth the effort.

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Unlike the well-known attractions along the Northern Arizona road trip circuit, this free or pay-what-you-can, open-air site is refreshingly unadorned and uncrowded — and once you arrive, the tracks can be seen in stunning detail. You can crouch down, reach out, and touch a moment frozen in time since the Early Jurassic period. Navajo guides are also available to point out details you’d never notice on your own. See more about that and everything you need to know about this off-the-beaten-path gem in this post below.

What Are the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks?

This Arizona dinosaur track site contains hundreds of well-preserved prints in a wide variety of sizes, from four inches to two feet across. When you’re standing in the middle of this vast Navajo Nation high desert, looking down at a footprint left by a creature that walked this same ground millions of years ago, it’s every bit as mind-bending as it sounds.

About 200 million years ago, this now-dusty stretch of desert was actually a marshy riverbed. Hundreds of dinosaur footprints were preserved in what was once a wet, sandy floodplain or lake. Some unknown natural event quickly buried the area and locked those prints in place, frozen in time. Wind, water, and erosion have slowly been uncovering them ever since.

Paleontologists from Northern Arizona University have verified the tracks, and Dilophosaurus dinosaur bones were removed from this site in the 1940s, which made standing there feel even more surreal.

Just a heads up that these tracks are sometimes mistakenly called Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks. I won’t get into the details on the confusion, but suffice it to say that the Moenkopi Formation and Moenave Formation represent distinct geological periods and depositional environments during the Triassic and early Jurassic periods in the southwestern United States. [Moenkopi was 235-247 million years ago, Moenave was 200-203 million years ago]

Pro Tip:

I’ve traveled extensively around the Western U.S. and will be adding much more information about interesting sites in the area and beyond, plus itineraries and road trip tips. If you sign up for my occasional newsletter below or follow me on socials, you’ll be the first to know when new content is published.

How to Find the Northern Arizona Dinosaur Tracks Near Tuba City

The Navajo Moenave Arizona Dinosaur Tracks Site is on the north side of US-160 at milepost 316, five miles east of US-89. Turn north onto the dirt driveway, then drive about a quarter-mile. You’ll see hand-painted signs and Navajo vendor tables where artisans sell handmade jewelry and gift items.

• Driving from Flagstaff – See map above or click the bold text to get to the map
  • Less than 1 1/2 hours each way
  • Take US-89 N for approximately 61 miles
  • Turn right onto US-160 E and go about 5 miles at milepost 316
  • Turn left when you see the hand-painted “Dinosaur Tracks” sign into the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks

• Driving from Grand Canyon Village [Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim]
  • Approximately 1 1/2 hours each way
  • Take US Highway 180 South to Arizona Highway 64
  • Drive east on AZ 64 about 75 miles to US 89 and turn north [left]
  • Take US 89 north about 15 miles to US-160
  • Turn east [right] on US-160 and drive about 5 miles at milepost 316
  • Turn north [left] when you see the hand-painted “Dinosaur Tracks” sign into the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks
• Driving from Page, Arizona
  • Around an hour each way
  • Take Coppermine Road South from Page about 45 miles
  • Turn south [left] onto US Highway 89 South and drive about 17 miles
  • Turn east [left] onto US Highway 160 and drive about 5 miles to milepost 316
  • Turn north [left] when you see the hand-painted “Dinosaur Tracks” sign into the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks
• Driving from Monument Valley
  • Approximately 1 1/2 hours each way
  • Take US Highway 163 south from Monument Valley about 24 miles
  • Turn west [right] onto US Highway 160 heading southwest about 77 miles
  • After going through Tuba City, at milepost 316, watch for the hand-painted “Dinosaur Tracks” sign into the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks
  • Turn north [right] at the sign onto the dirt road that leads to the site

What to Expect When You Arrive

Now that you know how to get to these Arizona Dinosaur Tracks near Tuba City, here are the details about the ins and outs of this hidden gem, so you’ll be well-informed as soon as you park your car.

Logistics & Arrival

• NOTE: Depending on where you’re coming from, you may encounter a change in Arizona Time Zones along the way. Since the Moenave, Arizona Dinosaur Tracks are located within the Navajo Nation, they’re an exception to Arizona’s rule about no “Daylight Saving Time” change. You can find out more about our quirky time zone rules here.
• Parking – You’ll find an unpaved, dirt parking area at the site [pictured above]; parking is free, and it’s an easy pull-off. Since it’s a dirt lot, it may be different if there’s been a lot of rain.
• Hours of operation – There are no official posted hours to visit. From what I recall, there are no lights in the area, so you’ll want to visit after dawn and before dusk to be able to see the tracks.
• There’s no formal entry gate. Just pull in and park by the wood vendor stalls and more hand-painted signs relating to dinosaurs.
• Depending on your mobile phone provider, you may not have cell service in the area
• There are no water stations or restroom facilities at the Arizona Dinosaur Tracks
• Admission is free, but read more below about the optional, donation-based tours available.

Pro Tip: Responsible Tourism At the Navajo Nation

Always learn and respect indigenous customs. Ask permission before taking pictures. Remember that you are in a sovereign, self-governing nation, and just as you would when visiting another country, follow all tribal laws and regulations. Check out this site for more information about laws and common courtesy when visiting indigenous sites.

The On-Site Experience

• When you park, you may have a Navajo guide greet you near your vehicle. We were greeted by a young lady who looked to be in her twenties. We learned later that her last name was Redbird and that she was there with her father. She offered to take us on a tour where she would point out the various tracks at the site for the cost of a donation of our choosing. Find out more about how it works with the Navajo Guides below.
• You may also see various primitive looking Navajo vendor stalls near the parking area. Here you may find unique indigenous jewelry, made from local materials, often being sold directly by the artisans themselves. Don’t let the rustic nature of the booths fool you. The jewelry is well-made, beautiful, unique, and helps support the Navajo [Dine] people who live nearby.
• Always ask permission before taking pictures of people, products, or surroundings.
• My recommendation is to check out the dinosaur tracks first, then take some time to shop and see if there are items you’d like for yourself or to take home as souvenirs for others.
• How long should you plan to stay? Generally, an hour or so is probably adequate. If you or your kiddos want to wander around the site more, have a lot of questions, or want to take extra time shopping and talking with the vendors, it could be longer.

Your Navajo Guide: What They Add to the Experience

We weren’t aware of the Navajo guides when we parked the car, so we were a bit surprised at first. When a young woman approached, [which we later learned was Ms. Redbird], she asked if she could give us a tour for a donation amount that we could decide. She was friendly and not pushy at all, so we decided to allow her to give us a tour.

She definitely added information that we wouldn’t have known and took us to spots that we wouldn’t have seen. It was clear that she was interested in sharing what she knew about the dinosaur tracks and was continuing to learn more and more, so she could be a better guide in the future. As we walked around, she was very honest about the tours and said that there isn’t much structure for who gives tours and how they’re conducted, so be aware. She also shared that some guests are rude to the guides, which I felt was unfortunate, since we’re all visitors on their land.

Our tour took a little less than an hour, but I think if we had more questions or wanted to see more, she would have spent more time with us. Ms. Redbird said that she was self-taught and used opportunities when paleontologists and geologists visited to ask questions. She also read on her own about the dinosaur site. She shared what she knew, even though some of it was in general terms.

One of the most memorable parts of visiting the Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks was meeting our Navajo guide, who had grown up near this site and shared about things her ancestors said and did there. She shared that, according to her elders, we were guests on sacred land because of the creatures that lived and died there.

How Much Should You tip your guide?

There is no formal admission fee to visit the dinosaur tracks — the experience is entirely tip-based, with local Navajo guides leading visitors across the sandstone and pointing out details that most people would walk right past. Tipping your guide and buying from the Navajo vendors is a meaningful way to support the community and help keep the site cared for.

I would suggest that you plan to tip your guide a minimum of $10 to $20 or more, depending on the size of your group and the depth of the experience they provide. Consider what a “living” hourly wage is these days. It’s a small price for what feels like a private geology lesson delivered by someone with a genuine personal and cultural connection to the land. Terry and I tipped Ms. Redbird $20 because she gave us a unique experience that we wouldn’t have had otherwise. I also wanted to encourage her to continue learning about the site, so she could grow more as a guide.

PRO TIP: Bring Cash

Come prepared with cash — they don’t accept credit, and there are no card readers or Venmo on site that we could see. I know some people don’t carry much cash these days, but there are ATMs in every direction if you plan ahead and stop on the way.

Don’t be tempted to skip the guided experience to save a few dollars. These guides are the heart of the visit, and their income depends entirely on the generosity of the travelers who pass through. Also, if you just wander around, you could miss some of the most interesting spots.

Physical Considerations

• Terrain and walkability – Be aware that this is a wild landscape with uneven rocky ground. Everything is fairly easy to navigate, and there are no huge chasms or boulders to climb over, but if you have balance issues or need assistance with getting around, there are no sidewalks or paved areas.
• Heavy rains could make the ground muddy or slippery
• Heat advisory — especially June through September – Average temperatures in the afternoons can be over 90 degrees, so it’s best to go early in the day, if possible, or wear sun protection.
• Closed-toed footwear is recommended, but I had my favorite, comfortable Birkenstocks on and did fine. My feet did get dirty from the dusty conditions, so be prepared for that.
• Accessibility considerations for mobility limitations – The site is rustic and not ADA certified, so if someone in your party uses a walker, crutches, or a wheelchair, it may not be as easy to get around, although I think it could be manageable, with some careful movement and/or assistance. Just know that it’s at your own risk.

What to Bring

• It’s always good to have an ample supply of water when traveling in the deserts of the Southwest. I recommend buying a refillable water bottle for your road trip. You can even buy water bottles with a built-in filter, in case you need to use tap water and want it to taste better.
• Sun and shade protection – If you’ve never been to northeastern Arizona, there’s very little shade. There are no trees at the Arizona Dinosaur Tracks site, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun’s rays with a UV-protection sun hat, your favorite sunscreen, and/or an SPF sun protection shirt or UPF shade umbrella.
• Carry some cash for tips and vendor artisan purchases in the Navajo Nation
• I carry a Nikon camera and a charged cell phone for photos or videos of the dinosaur tracks. I forgot to get a picture of my hand next to one of the tracks, but the image of my feet above gives some perspective.
• Always travel with a sense of wonder, kindness, respect, curiosity, and generosity.

Best Timing For Your Dinosaur Tracks Visit

• The best time of day to visit is morning for the best light. The tracks look flatter and washed out at the peak of the sun within a few hours before or after noon.
• Check out the table below for tips on the best season to visit. We were there at the end of February, and it was actually quite nice, but winter is unpredictable, so it will depend on your specific dates and the weather forecast.
• Since you’ll be at the site for a short amount of time, you should be able to make most anytime work. The biggest issues will be winter snow, summer heat, and summer monsoon rains in the afternoons. Otherwise, with planning, it can still be a fun stop.

When is the Best Time to Visit

Time	Conditions	Recommendation
Jan–Feb	Cold, possible snow	⚠️ Dress warmly. Avoid, if there’s snow
March–April	Mild but can be windy, dusty	⚠️ Go before noon for best light
May	Warm, calm, clear	✅ Ideal
June	Can be hot and dry	⚠️ Go early morning, if possible
July–Aug	Extreme heat + monsoon storms	⚠️ Avoid afternoon heat & rain
September	Monsoon winding down, still hot	⚠️ May be OK. Check the forecast
October	Cool, calm, beautiful light	✅ Ideal
November	Cool, manageable	✅ Good if wearing layers
December	Cold, possible snow/ice	⚠️ Dress warmly. Avoid if there’s snow

The Dinosaur Tracks Up Close: What You’ll Actually See

Here’s where it gets interesting. After reading more about the site, I learned that the specific type of dinosaur that left these footprints can’t be determined with certainty, which is why scientists classify them as “trace fossils.” Think of it like finding a shoe print in wet cement. You know someone walked there (maybe OJ?), but you can’t be 100% sure who without more evidence. Tracks come with their own scientific names when they can’t be easily matched to a dinosaur — this is called an ichnogenus. The two main ichnogenera I learned about at the site are Grallator and Eubrontes.

What are Grallator Dinosaur Tracks?

Grallator tracks are the smaller of the two, typically ranging from about 2 inches [5 centimeters] to 6 inches [15 centimeters] long. They show three distinct forward-pointing toes with no heel impression, which tells scientists the animal was moving quickly on the balls of its feet — much like a bird does today. In fact, if you’ve ever seen a large bird like a heron walking across mud, you have a pretty good mental image of what a Grallator track looks like.

The narrow, elongated shape suggests a lightweight, fast-moving bipedal predator. At the Moenave site, these prints are thought to belong to small theropod dinosaurs such as Coelophysis, a slender, agile hunter that stood roughly waist-high on a human and traveled in groups. Some paleontologists believe the sheer number of Grallator tracks found together here suggests these animals may have moved in packs along what was then a muddy shoreline.

What are Eubrontes Dinosaur Tracks?

Eubrontes tracks are a completely different story. They can measure up to 16 inches [40 centimeters] long, show a much deeper heel impression, and have a noticeably wider spread between the three toes. The size and depth of the prints tell you this animal was heavy, powerful, and walking with purpose.

Eubrontes is widely considered the state fossil of Connecticut, where some of the first examples were discovered in the 1800s, but the prints here in Arizona are among the finest examples anywhere. At the Moenave site, the Eubrontes tracks are believed to have been left by Dilophosaurus wetherilli — a formidable apex predator that would have towered over everything else in its environment. The stride length between prints is also notable, hinting at an animal that covered ground with long, confident steps.

What the two tracks together tell us

Finding both Grallator and Eubrontes prints at the same site is scientifically significant. It paints a vivid picture of an ancient ecosystem where predators of very different sizes shared the same muddy waterway — possibly hunting the same prey, or perhaps the smaller ones keeping a careful distance from the larger. Standing there looking at both sets of prints side by side, separated by 200 million years of time but just a few feet of red desert stone, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re reading the last page of a story that started before humans ever existed.

Wasn’t the Dilophosaurus Dinosaur in Jurassic Park?

Yes, this is the fictionalized dinosaur from the movie, Jurassic Park. In the movie, it was the one with the neck frill and venom-spitting. But don’t be fooled by the book’s author, Michael Crichton or the director, Steven Spielberg. There is no actual evidence that Dilophosaurus could expand neck frills or spit venom. In reality, it was also far larger than portrayed in the films, reaching up to 23 feet [7 meters] long and weighing around 880 pounds [400 kilograms].

If you love dinosaurs, you can find the books here or rent or buy the Jurassic World movies here.

A real Dilophosaurus skeleton was actually found at this Northern Arizona Dinosaur Tracks site in 1940 by a Tuba City local named Jesse William and later taken to the museum at UC Berkeley. This lends strong support to the idea that these big Eubrontes tracks belonged to this very species. You can read more about this intriguing dinosaur here in the Smithsonian Magazine or Scientific American here.

Fish, pterosaur, and crocodile fossils have also been found mixed in with the dinosaur tracks, lending more evidence that this was once a shallow-water environment. I kept imagining what it must have looked like — a lush, muddy waterway teeming with life where now there is nothing but sun-baked red earth.

Is It Worth the Stop? My Honest Take

I’m always on the lookout for hidden gems and places to see and share about beyond the most popular sites. Even though I’ve lived in Arizona for more than 20 years, I had only recently discovered the Arizona Dinosaur Tracks when I was researching an Arizona-Utah road trip. It’s also so interesting to continue to learn about the history of this changing planet of ours. As a lifelong learner, this unique place was definitely worth visiting for all ages! If you’re not expecting pristine visitor conditions and have a curious mind and generous spirit, you’ll enjoy visiting this site.

Where to Stay on Your Northern Arizona Road Trip

Depending on which direction you’re coming from or going to, you’ll find many unique options for lodging in Northern Arizona. I’ll list a few of my favorites, starting with the closest to the Dinosaur Tracks, then farther away in all directions.

• Moenkopi Legacy Inn and Suites – Tuba City, AZ
  • The closest hotel to the Dinosaur Tracks if you’ve had a long day
  • [4.2 stars – 7 minutes east of dinosaur tracks]
• Hopi Cultural Center & Hotel – Second Mesa, AZ
  • Spend time learning about the history and culture of the Hopi Nation
  • [4.1 stars – 1 hour Southwest on AZ Hwy 264]
• Bespoke Inn Flagstaff – Flagstaff, AZ
  • Lovely, welcoming historic inn, near NAU and Lowell Observatory
  • [4.8 stars – 1.25 hours South]
• Stargazer 4-bedroom Home with Rooftop Deck – Page, AZ
  • Check out the gorgeous dark skies with a telescope on site
  • [4.9 stars – 1.5 hours North]
• El Tovar Hotel – Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
• Gouldings Lodge – Oljato-Monument Valley, UT
  • The closest hotel to Monument Valley Tribal Park
  • [4.4 stars – 1.75 hours Northeast]
• Red Feather Lodge – Tusayan, AZ
  • Just outside the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park
  • [4.2 stars – 1.75 hours West]
• Highland Grand Canyon Glamping – Grand Canyon Village
  • Luxury tents with a king-size bed!
  • [5 stars – 2 hours West]
• La Posada Hotel – Winslow, AZ
  • Eclectic and beautiful historic hotel, Art Gallery, and Mexican restaurant
  • [4.8 stars – 2 hours Southeast on I-40, Near Historic Route 66]
• Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile – Kanab, Utah
  • Great stop on the way to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks
  • Pet-friendly – owned by the nearby Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • [4.4 stars – 2.25 hours Northwest]

Looking for more great hotels? Use this search box to find what you need. You’ll find everything from individual homes to glamping tents and luxury resorts.

How to Add This Stop to Your Northern Arizona Road Trip

As you can see from this map of the region, the Navajo Dinosaur Tracks could be incorporated into a variety of Southwestern U.S. road trips. The site is about an hour north of Interstate 40, from Flagstaff, Arizona, but not far from Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada. So, if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, Historic Route 66, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Durango, or Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, you’ll find that it can be added to your route fairly easily.

Other Things to Do Near Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks, Arizona

Right in Tuba City (under 15 minutes)

• Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit — A deeply moving tribute to the Navajo men whose unbreakable wartime code helped turn the tide of World War II. Free admission and well worth an hour of your time.
• Explore Navajo Interactive Museum — An afternoon spent browsing the exhibits here gives great context to the land and culture you’re driving through.

15–30 minutes away from the Dinosaur Tracks

• Elephant’s Feet — Located 20 miles east of Tuba City on Highway 160 outside Tonalea, this roadside geological curiosity is right off the highway and impossible to miss — and parking is easy.
• Cameron Trading Post — About 20 minutes south on Highway 89, this historic 1916 trading post sits at the edge of the Little Colorado River Gorge and is a great stop for Navajo rugs, jewelry, a meal, or stay for the night.

1 to 2 Hour Drive from Tuba City, AZ

• The Museum of Northern Arizona – drive south 1.5 hours to Flagstaff to find another hidden gem that covers a wide variety of topics, like the history and culture of the Indigenous people of Northern Arizona, the geology of the region, and much more. In the Geology Gallery you’ll come face-to-face with a full-size cast skeleton of a Dilophosaurus wetherilli.
• Lowell Observatory – Also in Flagstaff is renowned for being the place where the celestial body, Pluto, was discovered in 1930. The recently unveiled Giovale Open Deck Observatory at Lowell is a new public rooftop observing plaza featuring six advanced telescopes and heated seats for learning about Astronomy and viewing the night sky in this Dark Sky Designated City.
• Grand Canyon South Rim – Just 1.5 hours west of the dinosaur tracks you’ll arrive at Grand Canyon Village. If you’re wondering about things to do, here are 100 Ways to Enjoy the Grand Canyon. Find out how to save money on National Parks passes here.
• Horseshoe Bend – The spectacular overlook for the horseshoe-shaped Colorado River is about an hour north, near Page, AZ. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, but most people show up mid-morning or around sunset for the best photography light. Early afternoon is usually quieter too, but it’s also the hottest part of the day, and the harsh sunlight tends to wash out those beautiful canyon colors. The city of Page requires visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead.
• Antelope Canyon – Drive a little over an hour north toward Page, AZ, and you’ll find gorgeous shades of oranges, reds, and even purple sandstone in the renowned slot canyons. The most famous is Antelope Canyon. Options are shown in the tour images below. Reservations are required and book up sometimes months ahead. Plan early to reserve your tour.

Pro Tip – Antelope Canyon Tours

• Legally, you must book a tour with an authorized Navajo Guide to see these magnificent canyons up close. Many years ago, several tourists died when a distant flash flood ravaged a slot canyon and swept them away. The authorized Navajo Nation guides know how to protect the environment, prevent vandalism, and monitor the weather forecast to avoid flash flood risk. You may NOT see rain in the immediate area, but distant rains can quickly flow into the canyons. The indigenous people understand the dangers and precautions that need to be taken.

Books About Dinosaurs & Tracks for Curious Travelers

Check out these books for all ages about dinosaurs, fossils, ruins, and much more in and around Arizona and the Southwestern states. Or pick up a few dinosaur coloring books to help the kids learn more and keep their little minds busy on the road.

Resources for Learning More About Dinosaur Tracks and Fossils

Dinosaurs of the National Park Service – a helpful map below, along with more information from Vince Santucci and Paleontologist, Justin Tweet about dinosaur fossils and tracks found within National Park Service properties as of 2018. They prepared an inventory of these NPS dinosaur fossils. [Note: This inventory, An inventory of non-avian dinosaurs from National Park Service areas, is complete and available online.]

National Park Service – Fossils and Paleontology

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Paleontology Resources – includes hands-on activities, videos, and webcasts

Improvements I’d Love to See

I will say that I think it would be to the advantage of the Navajo Nation if the site were developed a little more. Since it’s on Navajo land, it seems that if they created a way to charge an entrance fee, either by the vehicle or by the person, it would help cover the expenses involved in protecting these priceless impressions. It could be an ongoing income stream for the community and a valuable attraction for visitors from all over the world.

The fact that anyone can walk on the dinosaur tracks is also concerning to me, since I would think that people’s footsteps would wear down the dirt around the tracks, making them more shallow and harder to see and preserve for future generations.

We visited a similar dinosaur track site in Utah – Mill Canyon, near Moab [I’ll write about that one soon]. See the picture above. This site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is also free [or to be more specific, paid for by our tax dollars]. They’ve done a wonderful job of building raised walking paths that overlook the tracks to protect them from damage. They’ve also added interpretive signs that are helpful in learning so much more about what you see. Maybe a partnership between the Navajo Nation and Northern Arizona University could bring about developments like this?