Southern Utah Gets Featured in National Geographic

Southern Utah has now been featured in a National Geographic article, “Digging Utah’s Dinosaurs”. The prehistoric swamplands of Southern Utah, now known as the arid Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is the hot topic of the May 2014 issue.

The article will highlight the footsteps of paleontologists as they hunt for fossils in Southern Utah’s unique ecosystem to begin piecing together fossil records from several locations around Utah. The article should be very exciting to many people who live in Southern Utah and to the areas visitors.

Most people know Utah for its five national parks, but very few know about the comprehensive records of prehistoric life that was found in Southern Utah and other areas of the state. Today, Utah has several locations that are easily accessible for those who want a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the states dinosaur sites and its ancient past.

With over 15 dinosaur specific sites including state parks, national monuments, state museums, a prehistoric byway and more, you will find the largest record of geologic activity related to dinosaurs. It’s a window into the past that will help your imagination truly take off.

Utah’s Dinosaur Sites Include:

Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument 

Located in Southern Utah, this location was dubbed the “next frontier for paleontologists”. The huge and rugged area has several access points that are easy to get to off scenic Highway 12. The Big Water Visitor Center in Escalante is the best way for amateur paleontologists to begin their exploration. The actual excavation sites are for only accessible by professionals.

Dinosaur National Monument 

Located in Eastern Utah, this location is where Paleontologist Earl Douglas discovered a 200-foot long sandbar in 1909 that contained layers of prehistoric plant and animal fossils. The quarry contains over 1,500 dinosaur bones that are exposed in the sandstone wall. You can enjoy trails, tours, wildlife, history and several activities.

Other locations include:

• Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City

• Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in Central Utah

• USU Prehistoric Museum in Eastern Utah

This information is brought to you by: Erika Rogers – your real estate leader in St. George, UT and surrounding communities. She specializes in new construction, golf course communities, gated communities, 55+ adult communities, St. George luxury real estate, and foreclosures in all Southern Utah communities.