Moab Giants is a dinosaur museum and outdoor trail about nine miles north of Moab at the junction of Highway 191 and the road to Dead Horse Point. The outdoor Dinosaur Trail passes over a hundred life-size dinosaur models set among desert scenery, with footprints from the creatures that once walked this part of Utah, a playground for small children and a camping-themed area. Indoors, the venue offers a 3D theater with short films, a prehistoric aquarium experience and an interactive tracks museum that explains how paleontologists read fossil footprints. A cafe and gift shop round out the facilities. The site suggests allowing two to three hours, which makes it a manageable stop between the major parks and a handy escape on a hot afternoon or a stormy day.
The museum's real strength is that it ties its models to the landscape. The interactive tracks museum explains how paleontologists read fossil footprints, so older children and adults learn something as well as seeing big models. Younger children respond to the sheer size of the creatures and the chance to run along the trail, though there is some walking on uneven ground, so comfortable shoes help. The 3D films are short, so they work for families that cannot sit still for long.
Admission is by ticket, with options that range from outdoor and museum access to a fuller pass that includes the films and extra experiences. The venue is closed on certain weekdays and has a seasonal pattern of events and holiday closures, so confirm the current days and hours on its website before you drive out. Last admission is earlier than closing, and the outdoor trail is more pleasant in the morning or late afternoon than in the heat of a summer midday.
Where it fits in a trip is simple. Because it lies on the road to Dead Horse Point and Island in the Sky, it pairs well as a stop on the way to or from those parks, especially for families who need a change of pace. Bring water and sun protection for the trail, and leave time to try the cafe. If your group is dinosaur-mad, start here and then go looking for the real tracks on trails and roadsides around Moab, which makes the museum's lessons come alive.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit combining an outdoor trail of life-size dinosaur models with indoor films, a tracks museum and a cafe.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for the outdoor trail; midday for the indoor exhibits in hot weather.
How long
Two to three hours is the suggested time.
Tips
Check opening days before you go, buy tickets for the experiences you want, wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children who love dinosaurs.
- Families
- Excellent: a playground, big models and short films keep young children engaged.
- Couples
- An air-conditioned break from the heat, though it is mainly a family stop.
- Pair with
- Dead Horse Point State Park or Island in the Sky, which lie on the same road.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Where is Moab Giants?+
About nine miles north of Moab at the junction of Highway 191 and the turnoff to Dead Horse Point.
How long should I allow?+
Two to three hours is the suggested time for the trail, films and museum.
Is it open every day?+
The venue has closed on some weekdays, so confirm the current days and hours on its website before you travel.
Is it suitable for toddlers?+
Yes, there is a playground and large models, but the trail has uneven ground, so a stroller may be awkward.
Is there food on site?+
Yes, there is a cafe and a gift shop at the venue.
