Red Fleet State Park
🦕 Where Dinosaurs Walked — 200-million-year-old Dilophosaurus trackway, dramatic red sandstone reservoir for swimming and boating, 29 campsites in a desert canyon, and dark desert skies in Utah’s Dinosaur Country
In the red rock desert of northeastern Utah, about 10 miles north of Vernal, a reservoir fills a canyon of striking red Navajo Sandstone formations that give the park its name — massive fins, buttes, and cliffs of deep crimson stone rising above turquoise water. But the real showstopper at Red Fleet State Park isn’t the scenery — it’s what’s imprinted into the stone along the shoreline: approximately 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, believed to be from Dilophosaurus, preserved in the sandstone with startling clarity. This is one of the most accessible dinosaur trackway sites in the American West, and it sits in a park where you can also swim in a desert reservoir, camp under some of the darkest skies in Utah, and boat through a canyon that looks like it was painted by the earth itself.
Red Fleet Reservoir was created in 1980 when Reclamation built a dam on Big Brush Creek, flooding a section of the canyon and creating a 750-acre-foot lake surrounded by the red sandstone formations that give the park its otherworldly appearance. The contrast between the deep red rock and the blue-green water is extraordinary — particularly in the early morning and late afternoon light, when the cliffs seem to glow from within.
Dinosaur Trackway
The Red Fleet dinosaur trackway is one of the most significant and accessible dinosaur track sites in Utah. The tracks are preserved in a layer of 200-million-year-old sandstone (Early Jurassic period) along the reservoir’s northeastern shore.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | ~200 million years (Early Jurassic) |
| Species | Believed to be Dilophosaurus |
| Trail to Tracks | 1.5 miles one-way (moderate) |
| Trailhead | Donkey Flat Road, 1 mile north of park entrance |
| Visibility | Varies with reservoir water levels |
The Dinosaur Trackway Trail is a moderate 1.5-mile (one-way) hike from the trailhead on Donkey Flat Road to the track site on the reservoir shore. The tracks are three-toed prints — characteristic of theropod dinosaurs — pressed into what was once soft mud along an ancient waterway. The number of visible tracks varies with the reservoir’s water level: when the water is low, dozens of individual prints are clearly visible; when the reservoir is full, some tracks may be submerged.
Important: Never touch, walk on, or remove material from the dinosaur tracks. These are irreplaceable 200-million-year-old fossils. Photograph and observe from a respectful distance.
Recreation on Red Fleet Reservoir
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Designated beach area, no lifeguards — caution advised |
| Boating | Boat ramp, powerboats, waterskiing allowed |
| Kayaking/SUP | Excellent — calm water, red rock scenery |
| Fishing | Rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, bluegill |
Camping
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sites | 29 sites (tent and RV) |
| Hookups | Some sites with electric and water |
| Facilities | Fire pits, grills, covered picnic tables, restrooms |
| Reservations | Recommended — Utah State Parks reservation system |
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 8750 N Hwy 191, Vernal, UT 84078 |
| Hours | Summer: 6 AM–10 PM / Winter: 8 AM–5 PM |
| Day-Use Fee | $10 per vehicle |
| Camping Fee | $20-$35/night |
| Phone | (435) 789-4432 |
Getting There
- From Vernal: 10 miles north on US-191 (~15 minutes)
- From Dinosaur National Monument: 30 miles southeast (~40 minutes)
- From Salt Lake City: 175 miles east (~3 hours via US-40)
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Mild temps, wildflowers, good track visibility | Low-Moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming, boating, camping, full access | Moderate-High |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Cool desert air, golden light on red rock, low water | Low |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | Solitude, snow on red rock, limited facilities | Very Low |
Nearby Attractions
- Dinosaur National Monument: 30 miles — famous quarry wall of dinosaur bones, rafting
- Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: 40 miles north — reservoir, dam, fishing
- Utah Field House of Natural History: Vernal — dinosaur museum, outdoor sculpture garden
- Steinaker State Park: 5 miles south — second reservoir, more camping and boating
Wildlife & Nature
Red Fleet SP — on Red Fleet Reservoir (750 acres) with dramatic red sandstone formations. The park preserves over 200 dinosaur tracks — Dilophosaurus footprints dating to 200 million years ago — visible along the lakeshore. The park’s red rock desert and reservoir support mule deer, golden eagles, and collared lizards.
Can you see real dinosaur tracks at Red Fleet State Park?
Yes! The park’s Dinosaur Trackway contains approximately 200-million-year-old footprints believed to be from Dilophosaurus. The tracks are accessed via a moderate 1.5-mile hike from the Donkey Flat Road trailhead. The number of visible tracks depends on reservoir water levels — lower water means more tracks are exposed. Never touch or walk on the tracks.
Can you swim at Red Fleet State Park?
Yes. Red Fleet Reservoir has a designated swimming beach. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Water depths can increase rapidly offshore. The reservoir is also popular for boating, waterskiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
