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Utah is a state one can get lost in exploring its many unique national and state parks. Utah has the third most national parks in the country (after California and Alaska) and is also home to many superb, but lesser-known state parks. One great state park to explore is Red Fleet State Park in Utah's northeastern corner. There are so many parks to explore in Utah that it is very difficult to see all of them, but still, try to find the time to squeeze in Red Fleet.

Red Fleet State Park boasts stunning landscapes, a reservoir, and a fossil trackway of dinosaur footprints. The many natural attractions and dinosaur fossils and tracks make Utah one of the best states in the country for an ultimate road trip.

Why Red Fleet State Park Is Worth Visiting

Red Fleet State Park has a high elevation - around 5,500 feet (1,700 m) and is just south of the Uinta Mountains. The summers here can be very hot, while the winters are cold.

  • Size: 750 acres (300 ha)
  • Famous For: Dinosaur Footprints & Navajo Sandstone Formations

Activities in the park include biking, fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, and seeing the ancient dinosaur footprints. The park has a few short but fun mountain biking trails that range from intermediate to expert.

The park is also located close to some of Utah's other attractions including:

  • Dinosaur National Monument
  • Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
  • Steinaker State Park
  • Utah Field House of National History State Park

The state park also offers canoes, kayaks, SUPs, pedal boats for rent, and firewood and ice for sale.

What Makes Red Fleet State Park Picturesque

One will see red slick rock formations made of Navajo sandstone. These outcrops resemble a fleet of ships as they jut out above the reservoir - it is these outcrops that gave the park its name "Red Fleet."

  • Named: After Navajo Sandstone Outcrops Resembling Red Ships

The park is surrounded by a mosaic of sandstone cliffs and is a stellar location for camping.

The wildlife in and around the park includes deer, bobcats, badgers, golden eagles, ospreys, and others. The flora is made up of sagebrush, junipers, and various types of cacti.

Related: Arches National Park Is One Of Utah's Most Stunning Landscapes, And This Is What It's Famous For

Dinosaur Footprints In Red Fleet

Recently dinosaur footprints have been discovered in the park that dates back some 200 million years. There are numerous dinosaur tracks that range from three to 17 inches. A second site includes around 40 dinosaur tracks of four to five inches.

Red Fleet is located in the heart of Utah's Dinosaur Land

  • Age: Around 200 Million Years Ago
  • Species: Not Identified
  • Type: A Three-toed Bipedal Dinosaur

It has been surmised by paleontologists that they were formed by a three-toed (tridactyl) dinosaur and that it was bipedal (walked on two legs). The species of dinosaurs has not yet been identified.

The dinosaur tracks here are some of the finest dino tracks Utah has to offer, and they can be reached by hiking a 1.5-mile trail that makes its way through a forest of junipers. The trail is a little strenuous on account of its uphill and downhill sections.

  • Access: Via A 1.5-Mile Trail
  • When To See Them: Early Morning and Late Afternoon

The best time to view the dinosaur tracks is during the early morning and late afternoon. When the sun is directly overhead, the tracks can be a little difficult to see properly.

Related: Visit Utah's Snow Canyon Where You Can Explore Lava Tubes & Sand Dunes

Visiting Red Fleet State Park

The park is open year-round, so visitors can see how it varies from season to season. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach on the reservoir and launch their own boats there. There are camping sites and fish cleaning stations for those going fishing.

  • Season: Open Year Round
  • Admission: Day Use $10.00

Opening Hours:

  • Summer: 6.00 am to 10.00 pm
  • Winter: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm

There are some 31 camping sites that can accommodate both RVs and tents (most are basic without water or electric hookups). If one is planning to camp, it is advisable to make reservations in advance (especially for the weekends). The campgrounds have potable water. The campground has been described as tidy and well-maintained.

  • Fee: $25.00 Per Night Full Hook Up Site