Willow Springs Trail and Dinosaur Tracks Arches National Park

Willow Springs Trail and Dinosaur Tracks – Arches National Park

The Trek Details

The Trek in a snapshot

Location

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

Managing Agency

Arches National Park, Moab

Pets

Allowed

Fees

No fees unless you enter from the Park Side. If you enter from the Highway side then there are no fees

Restrooms

Yes. There are outhouses at the start of this trail and at the campground near Willow Springs

Camping

Yes. There is camping in the park in designated areas and also at Willow Springs (free)

Trail Condition

The trail is wide enough for trucks, Jeeps and other similar vehicles. The trail is a mix of soft sand and sandstone

Sights

Willow Springs road, dinosaur tracks

Water Info

Bring 1 liter per person

Best Season

All

Distance

7.90 miles

Time Required

1-2 hours

Parking Elevation

5045 ft at trail start near Balanced Rock

Summit Elevation

4427 ft at trail end near Highway 191

Elevation Difference

618 ft

Trek Planner Maps

Trail Map

GPS Coordinates

Start: 38.70185, -109.56695
End: 38.69673, -109.69859

Experience. Discover. Explore.

The Trail

Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!

Be a responsible explorer

Arches National Park has a west entrance that isn’t guarded but it requires four wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle to make it.  I remember seeing the signs to Willow Springs when I was younger and now that I have a vehicle that could traverse the sandstone road I decided to leave the national park this way.

The drive was slow going for most of it even though you are going about 7.9 miles but it was overall easy and lots of fun!  I would highly recommend driving this route in a vehicle with four wheel drive even though I didn’t use it, you just never know when you would need to use it!   A high clearance vehicle is a must as you travel up and down the sandstone road.

You start off by the Balanced Rock parking lot.  There is a picnic table and even some outhouses when you get off the asphalt and go down the Willow Springs road.  The first portion is smooth until you come to a fork which leads to right to Eye of the Whale Arch or straight to to Highway 191 by way of Willow Springs.  Head straight and continue down the trail.

From here you will leave the soft road and begin your journey on sandstone.  Let the fun begin!

Like I mentioned above, this trail was easy to traverse.  There aren’t any big tricky areas and I got out several times to admire the amazing views of the desert!   As far as wildlife is concerned, I saw a few jackrabbits, a scorpion and a hawk, so keep your eyes open!

I loved how quiet it was too.  I only saw two motorcyclists and another truck and that was it.  However, during the peak visiting months of the summer I bet there is much more traffic here.

One of the many bike trails

Dinosaur Footprints

The Dinosaur Tracks are for Insider Members Only and are located here:

This content is only for Insider Members

I was surprised to turn a corner and find some dinosaur tracks on a flat sandstone clearing.  You will see a sign giving additional information about the tracks.  I thought the tracks were so cool!  I love finding unexpected things while hiking or driving somewhere!

There are maybe a dozen or so tracks in the immediate area but if you read the sign you will find out that there are thousands nearby!

The road goes down the hill and you will begin to find more bike paths.  These would be fun to ride a bike on.

Eventually you will come to a sign which has information about the lands you were just travelling on.  This area in front of you is also a free camping location.  You are required to clean up and use the outhouses.   From here, follow the signs back out to the highway and you will have finished this fun road!

Back on Highway 191

Personal Thoughts

Personal Thoughts

This was a total blast to do and unexpected adventure! I probably wouldn't do this road every time I visit Arches National Park but it is a fun and unique way into the park.

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Kathleen Hice

I was there last year! My son and I took an rv covid trip!! Rented a jeep for the day and stumbled upon this!! Trying to figure out which Dino this is in the pic!

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