The Fossil Discovery Trail is a popular short hike in the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument that connects the monument’s Visitor Center with the world-famous Quarry Exhibit Hall where large pieces of dinosaur bones are still embedded in the rock wall.
Along the way, you’ll walk through layers of rock, ancient geologic formations, and a variety of rocks, stopping at several fossil areas to get a sense of what early paleontologists like Earl Douglass first uncovered.
The trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural history of the region, from the Morrison Formation to the Stump Formation, and even a peek at Mowry Shale deposits from prehistoric times. It’s also the ONLY TRAIL in Dinosaur National Monument where you can encounter dinosaur bones.
Fossil Discovery Trail: Quick facts
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 1.2 miles (one way) + short spurs to fossil sites
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Time: 1 hour + time spent at fossil sites
Trailhead: (1) Quarry Visitor Center; (2) Quarry Exhibit Hall
Dog-friendly: No (service dogs only)
Fee: Yes (U.S. National Park Service entrance fee)
Reasons to hike the Fossil Discovery Trail
- See dinosaur fossils in their natural state along a sandstone cliff
- Walk through millions of years of geologic formations in just over a mile
- Discover petroglyphs along the way
- Family-friendly, relatively easy hike with just enough adventure to keep kids interested (suitable even for small children; the trail can get slippery in spots but no drop-offs)
- Easy to combine with a visit to the Quarry Exhibit Hall for a full dinosaur experience (one of the must-dos in Dinosaur National Monument!)
Best way to hike this trail
How you approach the Fossil Discovery Trail depends on the season:
When the free shuttle is running (peak season):
- Shuttle up, hike down – easiest and most popular; all the views without a tough uphill climb.
- Hike up, shuttle down – good workout, though the lower part is less exciting, so don’t give up too early.
- Shuttle both ways, hike only the upper section – quickest option, about 1-mile round trip, covering the best fossil sites.
When the shuttle isn’t running (off-season):
- Drive to the Quarry and hike the upper portion – fossil highlights without the full trail.
- Hike the full trail out-and-back – from Visitor Center to Quarry and back if you want the challenge.
- Mix it up with the road one way – shorter, steadier grade, good for trimming distance or making an easier loop.
👉 We rode the shuttle up, explored the Quarry Exhibit Hall, and then hiked down, so our photos and trail notes follow that order. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the option I’d recommend. If you only have one day in Dinosaur National Monument, focus on the upper fossil-rich section near the Quarry, then visit other nearby noteworthy sites.
Trail description
The Fossil Discovery Trail starts just below the Quarry parking lot, a short stroll down the access road where the trailhead waits quietly on the right. At first, it feels like any other desert hike — until the path splits and you get your first taste of millions of years of history.
Take the small spur to the left and you’ll find yourself standing in front of fossilized clams and other marine creatures, remnants of the Stump Formation. Hard to imagine, but around 163 million years ago, this corner of Utah sat at the bottom of a massive inland sea that stretched from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the Arctic.
Once back on the main path, the trail soon forks again, this time leading you straight to the stars of the show: dinosaur fossils. These belong to the famous Morrison Formation (Late Jurassic Period), about 149 million years old, the very same layer showcased in the Quarry Exhibit Hall.
Some of the dinosaur bones along the cliffside are supposed to be marked with white dots or arrows, but spotting them on the rock wall can be a challenge. Initially, it all looks like ordinary rock layers.
At first, we struggled to make out anything beyond “just rock,” but once our eyes adjusted, bones began to jump out of the cliff face. Larger fragments. Tiny shards. Even entire shapes. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt after a while, and yup, it’s addictive. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the part of the hike where they feel like true explorers.
A final stop along the trail gives you the chance to see fossilized fish scales. A guidebook from the Dinosaur National Monument Visitor Center or Quarry makes this hunt a LOT easier, and I’d highly recommend picking one up before hiking.
About halfway down, you’ll come across a sandstone cliff face with a large boulder decorated with rock art, a reminder that this landscape is as rich in human history as it is in prehistoric life. The carvings, made by the Fremont people over a thousand years ago, are fascinating but a little weathered. If you’re hoping to see more elaborate designs, stop by the nearby Swelter Shelter petroglyphs site or the more impressive Cub Creek Petroglyphs further along the scenic drive.
Near the bottom, the path levels out and connects with the Visitor Center, completing the roughly mile-long journey through time. This part of the trail is fully exposed and isn’t particularly interesting, so if you’re hiking from the bottom up, keep that in mind and don’t give up on the trail too soon.
Good to know:
The trail itself is a blend of dirt, gravel, and sand. Most of it is easy-going, but there are a few uneven sections and one very slippery stretch that could be tricky, especially if things are damp. (If you have mobility concerns, don’t hesitate to check with a park ranger before heading out.)
Worth it?
- YES if you love fossils, paleontology, or geology. You get a rare look at dinosaur bones and other fossils in their natural state along the trail’s Morrison Formation stop and other fossil areas.
- SKIP IT and just focus on the Quarry Exhibit Hall if you’re short on time or only here to see well defined dinosaur bones. It’s faster, easier, and the Quarry fossil wall is far more dramatic. Or, just hike to the Morrison Formation stop (~1 mile round trip) with its large bones and skip the rest. The fossilized fish at the next stop are tiny and easy to miss.
The overall scenery isn’t as jaw-dropping as, say, the Desert Voices or Sound of Silence trails in the monument, but the Fossil Discovery Trail offers something much rarer: a chance to see dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock. It’s a unique glimpse at fossils in their natural state — the same layers studied by paleontologists when the quarry was first excavated.
Bottom line: This trail is less about sweeping views and more about stepping back in time. You’re literally walking where paleontologists first uncovered dinosaur bones in this area.
Tip:
Pick up the official guidebook at the Visitor Center or Quarry Exhibit Hall — it makes fossil spotting much easier and highlights small fossil fragments you might otherwise miss.
Know before you go
- The hike is family-friendly, but expect a few slippery and uneven spots.
- This is an exposed trail; bring water and sun protection.
- This hike is more educational than scenic, and a guidebook (available at the Visitor Center or Quarry) makes it way more fun.
- Pair the hike with the Quarry Exhibit Hall (and maybe a side trip to the Cub Creek Petroglyphs on the monument’s scenic drive) and you’ll have checked off some of the best highlights in the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument.
Related:
- Josie Morris Cabin: A Pioneer Homestead in Dinosaur National Monument
- Sound of Silence Trail: A Dinosaur National Monument Hike That Lives Up to Its Name
- Box Canyon Trail: A Hidden Oasis in Dinosaur National Monument
Hi, I’m Marketa!
Mom of two, Malinois wrangler, and the voice behind this blog. I share places worth the detour across the U.S., from remote backroads to favorite Chicago-area finds. Always chasing good views, great memories, and dog-friendly stops. More about us →
