Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway - Arches National Park - Utah
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 38° 42.047 W 109° 38.507
12S E 618106 N 4284448
Driving out of Arches National Park on Willow Springs Road, we happened across this sign, highlighting the spectacular dinosaur tracks preserved in this area. This makes Arches a great stop on the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway.
Waymark Code: WM6HVB
Location: Utah, United States
Date Posted: 06/07/2009
Views: 17
During the Jurassic Period, some 165 million years ago, the Moab area was part of a shallow tidal lands of an inland lake. The area's vegetation attracted many dinosaurs, and in turn, predators, including the two types whose tracks can be seen very well here: the Saurapod and the Therapod. Both were human-sized dinosaurs that walked upright.
Their tracks were preserved in the mud as it slowly turn to sandstone under the pressures of time. The Saurapod tracks were broader, with shorter toes, whereas the Therapod tracks showed more of a "claw-like" print, with longer toes and narrower heel.
There are over 2,000 tracks spread throughout the Salt Valley wash.
To reach the tracks, travel on Route 191 north of Moab and turn right onto Willow Springs Road until you see the sign, or head into Arches National Park, and turn onto Willow Flats Road from the area by Balanced Rock. The tracks can be found just west of the Park's boundaries, just feet from the designated road.
Program: America's Byways
Website: [Web Link]
Official Name: Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
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