Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Emery County, Utah, the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is one of the most significant dinosaur fossil sites in the world. The quarry contains the densest concentration of Jurassic dinosaur bones ever found, particularly from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation, dating back approximately 150 million years. The site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and operated in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Utah. Over 12,000 dinosaur bones have been excavated here, including specimens of Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and other large theropods and herbivores, often found in what appears to be a predator trap. The quarry’s geological setting is rugged, characterized by rolling badlands and sandstone formations. Visitors can explore an interpretive center that displays some of the fossils and learn about the paleontological excavation process and the site's history. Hiking opportunities in the immediate area are limited, focusing primarily on educational self-guided walks around the quarry. The site appeals to fossil enthusiasts, students, researchers, and families interested in prehistory. While camping and extensive outdoor recreation options are scarce at the quarry itself, nearby destinations in the Manti-La Sal National Forest provide hiking and camping. Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry represents an important chapter in understanding the prehistoric ecosystem of the western United States and continues to be a hub for scientific research and education.
