Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackways - Part Two.

So, if you're just finding this blog, you're wandering around trying to find Part One; well that was when we traveled from Dalton Wells to the Klondike Bluffs. This is the second part of the total adventure, our visit to Copper Ridge to see the dinosaur tracks, and we even did a little exploring of a trail that led to mines.

I will be using the Moab Diner as the beginning point of travel.  Why?  They have a great breakfast selection of course!  Anyway, going northward on Main Street/Route 191, drive 23.3 miles to BLM143/Copper Ridge Jeep Safari Road/North Klondike Bluffs.; make a right turn onto it. You'll see a gas utility outlet there and have to cross over the railroad tracks; while a standard passenger vehicle can get to the dinosaur track section; 4 wheel drive is recommended for any other roads.  All mountain biking and ATV trails are marked accordingly.  Take the road to the right for the dinosaur tracks, the road to the left leads to an extreme 4 wheel drive trail, probably used during Jeep Safari.

In one mile is a junction, go to the left, in an additional mile will be the parking area for the track area.  It's a 500 foot hike uphill on a rocky/sandy trail; don't forget the water!  There are informational boards with rules, regulations, warnings, and maps; a mountain biking trail that begins there; also a vault toilet.

Mountain Biking Trail

Route 191 can be seen.

The Dino Trail

On the way up, take a look at the landscape around; imagine being there during the time of the dinosaur and suddenly one decided to make itself known to us....a Desert Whiptail Lizard.

Claret Cup Cactus



Possibly Fossilized Sandstone

At the top of the hike is an informational board about the dinosaur tracks; mainly Sauropod (Camarasaurus) and Theropod (Allosaurus); now whether the one was running from the other can't be distinguished, but they left their marks to carry on.  However, don't leave your marks to let others know you were there; to be frank, nobody cares!!!  Thank you for respecting our land.

Sauropod Track

Theropod Tracks

Possible Fossil in Sandstone

While most look at the tracks and turn back, we kept walking around and found that the trail did continue upwards; rocky, sandy and there was evidence that ATVs had traveled through.  The landscape was still pretty much prehistoric (we love it!), but we came upon a warning sign from the BLM about the uranium mines.  Although they have been closed down, playing inside them is NOT an option; poisonous fumes, uranium contamination, collapsing beams, flooring and walls are always a possibility.  The trail continued around a bend, but we were not prepared for an extra long hike, so returned to our vehicle for a snack and a new bottle of cold water from the cooler.

Sunlight Through a Pothole



Trail Continues Around a Bend.










Mine Debris

Unprocessed Uranium

Yellow colored rocks that sparkle....not good!

....and no, we didn't call it a day.  We went back one mile to the junction, found the other 4 wheel drive trail through Copper Ridge and off we went! 

Mary Cokenour

Discover the Prehistoric Museum in Price, Utah - Part One.

Utah State University Eastern - Prehistoric Museum

155 East Main Street
Price, Utah, 84501

Phone: (435) 613-5060
             (800) 817-9949

Website: http://usueastern.edu/museum/

Do you like dinosaurs!  Do you like fossils?  Do you like exploring the cultures of pre-modern mankind!  Then do I have the place for you to visit when you're in Price, Utah...the Prehistoric Museum!  This museum brings out, not just the wondrous child, but the "Indiana Jones", in all of us.

Lets go take the tour...

Even though the main address is for East Main Street; parking is actually around the corner and you cannot miss the bronze statues outside.  Once you enter, you can pay your fee at the counter which also encompasses the gift shop (so much awesome stuff to buy!).  Oh, and don't forget to say "hi" to the official greeter, the Utah Raptor.  We were very lucky to be given a private tour by Lloyd Logan, Director of Education and Exhibits at the museum; he has a long list of credentials and gave us a great tour.  Talk about knowledge!

By the way, did you know that evidence was found that proved that raptors were feathered creatures?





The last time we had been to this museum was, I believe, 2009, and the Columbian Mammoth exhibit was just being built.  What a thrill to go back, after so many years, and see it in its full glory.  There are also glass cases, around the room, holding all manner of archaeological information and finds.

One display contains the Cave Bear, Sabre-Tooth Tiger and Dire Wolf; behind it is a fantastical mural done by artist, Joseph Venus.  The skeleton of each creature is in front of the artist's rendition of what it looked like in prehistoric times, and its relationship with mankind.

One of the cultures known to have been in the area is the Fremont Culture; their presence is very well documented in the Nine Mile Canyon area, outside of Wellington, Utah.

Pilling Figurines

Of course, another culture's presence was known of in the area, and most people are familiar with their name...Anasazi.

 

 

What was a day in the life like back in prehistoric times?  Take a good look at the displays and think about, "Could I have lived, and survived, back then?"

The Prehistoric Museum does not concentrate only on the Price/Wellington area of Utah, but Utah itself.   Displays in other areas, such as Capitol Reef and Hovenweep, show the interconnection of the cultures living in those times long ago.

Capitol Reef

Hovenweep

Nine Mile Canyon

Joseph Venus has several pieces of his artwork on display at the Prehistoric Museum; one is depicting "The Great Hunt", a Fremont panel located in Nine Mile Canyon.










Well, that concludes Part One of the Prehistoric Museum in Price, Utah.....here's your tease for Part Two.

Mary Cokenour