The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite in north-central Wyoming preserves a rare snapshot of early Jurassic life along an ancient coastline. These well-preserved footprints offer visitors and scientists a direct connection to animals that walked the region nearly 200 million years ago.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the site combines scientific importance with accessible public interpretation, distinguishing it from more remote fossil localities. This article highlights what makes Red Gulch significant, how visitors can experience it, and what researchers continue to learn from the tracks.
| Aspect | Details | Significance | Visitor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Red Gulch, near Shell, Wyoming, on Bureau of Land Management land | Accessible public site along the Powder River Canyon area | Approximately two hours north of Casper |
| Age | Early Jurassic, about 190 million years ago | Tracks from the Sinemurian stage of the Jurassic period | Older than iconic Morrison Formation dinosaurs |
| Track Types | Parallel rows of footprints from theropods and possibly ornithischians | Indicates movement along a tidal flat or lake margin | Visible as raised or natural casts in rock surfaces |
| Preservation | Tracks preserved in the Sundance Formation sediment layers | Erosion control and ongoing monitoring protect the site | Best observed at low tide and stable weather conditions |
Geologic Setting of Red Gulch Tracksite
The geology of Red Gulch places the tracks within the Sundance Formation, a sequence of limestone, mudstone, and sandstone that recorded a shallow sea advancing and retreating across the landscape. These sediments create the natural canvas that preserves the texture of ancient skin, scales, and claws.
Erosion by wind and water has gradually exposed more track surfaces, requiring careful stewardship to stabilize the exposed rock and minimize damage. Understanding the geologic context helps visitors interpret the orientation of trackways and the environment where the dinosaurs moved.
Discovering the Dinosaur Tracks
Initially identified by researchers in the late 1990s, the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite revealed hundreds of footprints packed into relatively small outcrops. The density and arrangement of the tracks suggest groups of animals traveling along a firm, moist substrate rather than isolated wandering individuals.
Track Characteristics
Three-toed theropod prints are prominent, but some broader impressions may belong to early ornithischians or other archosaurs. Measurements of stride length and spacing help paleontologists estimate walking speeds and possible group behavior during the early Jurassic.
Field Research and Ongoing Science
Ongoing fieldwork at Red Gulch combines traditional mapping, photogrammetry, and detailed measurements to record tracks before they are affected by weathering or visitor traffic. Researchers compare these data with other Jurassic sites to refine regional patterns of dinosaur distribution and movement.
Collaboration between the Bureau of Land Management, universities, and museums supports both scientific publication and public education. Each field season adds new insights into how early Jurassic dinosaurs interacted with their coastal environment.
Visiting Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite
Visitors access the tracksite via a rugged road and a short hike across Bureau of Land Management land, where interpretive signs explain the significance of the footprints. The exposed rock ledges make it possible to observe clear trackways without specialized equipment.
- Plan for variable weather and bring sun protection, water, and sturdy footwear.
- Respect fencing and signage to help preserve the scientific and educational value of the site.
- Visit in spring or fall for more comfortable hiking conditions and better track visibility.
- Combine the trip with nearby fossil exhibits or geological stops for a broader regional context.
Planning Your Visit to Red Gulch
Careful planning ensures that you can safely enjoy the scientific and scenic value of the site while supporting its protection for future researchers and visitors.
- Check current access conditions and weather before traveling to Red Gulch.
- Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking shoes for uneven terrain.
- Follow all Bureau of Land Management regulations and leave artifacts in place.
- Paired visits with interpretive centers or local guides can deepen understanding of the regional geology and paleontology.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are the tracks at Red Gulch from large predatory dinosaurs?
Yes, many of the prominent three-toed prints belong to theropods, a group of bipedal predators that includes ancestors of modern birds. The size and spacing of these tracks suggest animals several meters long moving across coastal flats.
Can visitors touch the dinosaur tracks at Red Gulch?
Visitors may view the tracks up close, but touching the rock surfaces is discouraged to prevent damage from oils and abrasion. Protective barriers and signage help balance access with long-term preservation.
What other fossils have been found near the tracksite?
While the tracks are the main feature, researchers occasionally identify bones and isolated elements from the same geologic layer, offering additional clues about the species that lived in this Jurassic coastal setting.
How do scientists know the age of the tracks so precisely?
Geologists use radiometric dating of volcanic ash layers, fossil marine organisms, and magnetostratigraphy to constrain the age of the Sundance Formation, placing the tracks at roughly 190 million years old.