Utah is home to some of the most geologically diverse landscapes in the U.S., attracting over 10 million visitors annually to its national and state parks, according to the Utah Office of Tourism. The state’s red rock canyons, arches, and fossil-rich sites provide a rare combination of scenic beauty and prehistoric history. Hikers can witness dinosaur tracks preserved in sandstone while exploring canyons carved over millions of years. These five trails offer some of the best opportunities to experience Utah’s unique geology and paleontology.
Lower Calf Creek Falls: A Majestic Slot Canyon Waterfall
Lower Calf Creek Falls, located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, features a 126-foot waterfall within a narrow canyon, with walls layered in Navajo and Entrada sandstone. The trail is 6 miles round-trip, moderately rated, and includes well-preserved petroglyphs and natural arches. Hikers can observe ripple marks and cross-bedded sandstone, evidence of ancient desert and river environments, while occasional fossil fragments provide insights into life from the Jurassic period.
Little Wild Horse Canyon & Bell Canyon Loop: Maze of Redrock Corridors
This 3.5-mile loop in the San Rafael Swell combines two slot canyons with varying difficulty levels. Narrow passages in Little Wild Horse Canyon highlight curved walls carved by flash floods, while Bell Canyon offers views of sprawling mesas. Paleontologists have documented dinosaur tracks nearby, including theropod footprints from the Jurassic. The trail is highly photogenic, with natural light creating dynamic patterns along the canyon walls, making it one of Utah’s most accessible slot canyon hikes.
Red Reef Trail: Fossils Among the Desert Flowers
Located in Snow Canyon State Park, the Red Reef Trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike featuring petrified dunes and sandstone cliffs. The trail passes the Red Reef Nature Preserve, where over 250 dinosaur tracks have been cataloged by the Utah Geological Survey. Visitors also encounter rare desert flora, including cacti and wildflowers that bloom in spring, adding seasonal color to fossilized footprints. The moderate incline and interpretive signage make it suitable for families interested in geology and paleontology.
Corona Arch Trail: Iconic Arches and Rock Sculptures
The 3-mile round-trip Corona Arch Trail in the Colorado Plateau is famous for its massive sandstone arches, including Corona Arch (140-foot span) and Bowtie Arch. The trail crosses rock fins and cobbled sandstone, with occasional petroglyphs along the route. Geologists highlight the Navajo Sandstone formation here, shaped over 190 million years ago. Though dinosaur tracks are less frequent than in other areas, the trail showcases classic erosional features, making it a geological highlight in the Moab region.
House on Fire: Sunset Glow and Natural Stone Sculptures
House on Fire, near Moab, is named for the sunlight illuminating a natural rock alcove in late afternoon, creating a fiery visual effect. The 1.5-mile out-and-back trail passes petrified sand dunes and eroded fins where small theropod footprints have been recorded. Geologists note cross-bedding and fossilized ripple marks, revealing ancient riverbeds and desert conditions from the Jurassic era. The trail’s compact length and dramatic lighting make it ideal for photographers seeking a combination of geological history and visual spectacle.
