Red Fleet State Park

Red Fleet State Park, in northeastern Utah's Uinta Basin, is a striking desert oasis known for its deep red Navajo sandstone, a 10,000-year-old dinosaur trackway, and a reservoir perfect for water sports. This uncrowded park offers a raw, authentic slice of the Colorado Plateau without the crowds of nearby national parks.

Highlights & What to See

• Dinosaur Trackway: A short hike leads to a bedrock slab with over 100 fossilized dinosaur footprints from the Early Jurassic period—one of the most accessible trackways in the West.
• Red Fleet Reservoir: Kayak, paddleboard, or fish for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass against a backdrop of vermilion cliffs. Boat rentals are available seasonally.
• Hiking & Scenic Views: The 1.5-mile Dinosaur Trackway Trail is the highlight, but the park also has short walks to viewpoints over the reservoir and surrounding badlands.
• Stargazing: Far from city lights, the park offers exceptional dark skies; bring a blanket and binoculars.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to hike to the trackway, paddle on the reservoir, and picnic. If you have a kayak or want to fish, plan for a full day. Overnight camping (tent or RV) adds a sunset and sunrise dimension—the red rocks glow brilliantly in low-angle light.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dinosaur National Monument: 30 minutes east; see the famous Carnegie Quarry with thousands of dinosaur bones still embedded in rock.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: 45 minutes north; a massive reservoir with dramatic red canyon walls, hiking, and world-class trout fishing.
• Vernal, Utah: 15 minutes west; the gateway town with the Utah Field House of Natural History, grocery stores, and dining.
• Uinta Mountains: 1 hour north; alpine hiking, wildflowers, and cooler temperatures contrast with the desert below.

Please check official sources for current details.