Dinosaurs inhabited the land in and around present-day Vernal. Red Fleet State Park is home to numerous dinosaur tracks. These tracks are believed to be more than 200 million years old. Paleontologists can tell from these tracks preserved in Nugget sandstone that the dinosaurs were three-toed (tridactyl) and walked on two legs (bipedal). The tracks range from three to 17 inches. The second site of about 40 dinosaur tracks of four to five inches, in the more recent Carmel Formation, has been found in the area, however, the species has not yet been identified.
The tracks can be reached by hiking a 1.5-mile trail that is somewhat strenuous because of its several uphill and downhill sections. The best viewing times of the tracks are early morning or late afternoon. The tracks are somewhat difficult to see when the sun is directly overhead.
Opened to the public as a state park in 1988. Park Elevation: 5,500 feet Park Acreage: 1,963 Surface Water Acreage: 750