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Copper Ridge Sauropod
Dinosaur Trackway
Moab, Utah
The Copper Ridge Sauropod Track site contains fossil tracks of a turning brontosaur and
four carnivores of various sizes. The trackway was discovered in 1989. The
tracks are from the Jurassic period.
The
brontosaur tracks show a pronounced turn to the right. This change of direction is
very unusual in fossil trackways. It is unknown which species of brontosaur made
these tracks. The most likely candidates are Camarasaurus, Apatosaurus or
Diplodocus.
The
three-toed tracks range in length from eight to fifteen inches. The large tracks
probably belong to an Allosaurus, which was the most common carnivore during the period in
which this trackway was formed. It is interesting to note that the trackway to the
southeast shows an alternation of long steps (approximately 5 feet) and short steps
(approximately 4 feet). This irregular stride has never been explained. It has
been suggested that the dinosaur was hurt and limping slightly. The smaller
three-toed tracks, which are hard to see, could have been made by a number of smaller
bipedal species.
Fossil
footprints are a rare, non-renewable resource. This trackway is rare for its
abundance of varying tracks. Please help preserve and protect them. |
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Trackway Location:
 If arriving from the North
(Green River), the turn-off to the dinosaur tracks is 8.5 miles south of the junction of
I-70 and State Road 191 (Crescent Junction). Follow State Road 191 south and turn
east at mile post 148.7
If arriving from the South (Moab), the turn-off is 23 miles north of Moab on State Road
191. Turn east at mile post 148.7.
The turn-off to the Dinosaur tracks is on the east side of State Road 191. Cross the
railroad tracks and follow the signs 2 miles down a dirt road to a parking area. The
tracks are 100 yards up the hill to the east. The dirt road is suitable for
passenger cars. Avoid this road when it is wet. |
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Because you are good parents and I would hate to see your children out hunting dinosaurs
illegally I have provided you with a method to download your dinosaur hunting license. Please download and fill
out the license and carry it with you at all times while hunting dinosaurs.
GPS Coordinates:
Where is the trackway?
Latitude
Longitude
N38° 49' 54" W109° 45' 43"
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