Two hundred million years ago, southwestern Utah teemed with dinosaurs, crocodilian ancestors, fish, horseshoe crabs, and other invertebrates. In the town of St. George, Dr. Sheldon Johnson unearthed the unmistakable evidence of these early Jurassic creatures. In the year 2000, he found the well-preserved 3-D casts of dinosaur footprints! Astonishingly, some of these trace fossils retained detailed skin impressions, foot pads, and claw marks. Further investigations unearthed new species of full-body fish fossils, the teeth and bones of meat-eating dinosaurs and crocodilians, plants, invertebrates and thousands of land and aquatic tracks made by different species.
You can dig into the discoveries in St. George on an extraordinary itinerary to dig into the deep past of southern Utah. At the heart of this itinerary is hands-on fossil excavation at the St. George Dinosaur site, followed by an itinerary of exploration through some of southwest Utah’s most iconic parks and breathtaking landscapes.
Join us on an unforgettable journey—blending hands-on paleontology with the iconic beauty of the American Southwest.
At the center of this immersive experience is the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, where you’ll step beyond the exhibits and into the active quarry itself. After professional training and safety instruction, you’ll work alongside paleontologists to excavate fossils at the original site of discovery. Your hours of discovery will contribute directly to ongoing scientific research.
Beyond the dig, the adventure continues through some of Utah’s most striking landscapes. Hike among the lava flows and red sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park, then journey north to the dramatic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park. Take in sweeping scenic viewpoints, enjoy optional moderate hikes, savor classic western dining, and experience unforgettable stargazing beneath Bryce Canyon’s famously dark skies with guidance from local astronomers.
OR-you can join a dig at the St. George Discovery Center for a half-day or full day experience!
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