Nature's Time Capsule
Located 5 miles west of Tuba City, along Highway 160 (not far from the Grand Canyon) this natural site contains many theropod tracks e.g. Dilophosaurus and others from the Jurassic period (208-144 million years ago).
A little bit of history—
A few Dilophosaurus skeletons were excavated in the summer of 1924 by a couple of paleontologists out on expeditions on Navajo land – Mr. Sam Welles (Former Prof. at UC – Museum of Paleontology), and Dr. Camp. It is not well known, but according to Mr. Sam Welles’ account, a Navajo by the name of Jesse Williams discovered the Dilophosaurus skeleton a couple of years earlier in 1940. It was he, who led Mr. Welles, Bill Rush and Ed Kott to the skeleton. The skeleton was excavated and taken to UC Berkeley. It is there that the Dilophosaurus resides in the UC Museum. (Source: University of California – Museum of Paleontology)
There is a row of vendor stands, so you can view and speak to local Navajo and pueblo silversmith’s selling their beautiful jewelry.
There is a homemade-style sign directing the public to the tracks, which is directly north off Hwy 160. There are community members and private landowners nearby who provide oversight.
Visitor Notice (06.16.25)
There is no parking fee, no tour guide fee, and no requirement to hire a tour guide when visiting this area.
We kindly ask that all guests respect the land, local customs, and community during their visit.
DINOSAUR TRACKS (near Tuba City, AZ)
🦖 Visitor Information ℹ️
• No parking fees ❌
• No required tour guide fees 👤
(guides are optional, they are not officially affiliated, so exercise caution.)
• No mandatory park entrance fees 🎟️
• Please visit respectfully, honor the land and local community. 🫱🏽🫲🏾
• Pack in, Pack out. 🚮
• Avoid visiting during evening hours (for safety concerns). ❌
• Note: Other areas within the Navajo Nation may have different requirements.
If there is an emergency, call the local Tuba City Police Dept. at 928-283-3111🚨
Stay safe. Stay hydrated!
See map below:
