The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is located in the Morrison Formation, about 10 miles northwest of Hanksville. This Jurassic Period (150 million years old) quarry is the site of hundreds of dinosaur bones discovered as recently as 2008 by the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Initial excavations included the bones of at least one carnivorous dinosaur, a plant-eating Stegosaurous, andseveral sauropods (including Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus), the largest animals to ever roam the earth. Remains of several predatory Allosaurus, the state fossil of Utah, were also discovered.
Paleontologist Heaven
The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry excavation site is approximately 150 feet wide by 600 feet long. In addition to dinosaur bones, the land also provides valuable clues to what life was like on earth when these dinosaurs roamed. Paleontologists suggest that an ancient river once flowed through the area, carrying the bodies downstream to this dinosaur graveyard. Access to the site is via a dirt road that requires a high clearance vehicle. To visit the quarry, visit the BLM Field Station located at 380 South 100 West in Hanksville.
The Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is found approximately eleven miles northwest of Hanksville, Utah. There is a dirt road to the site that is not maintained for passenger cars. Recommended access is via higher clearance vehicles. Four-wheel drive may be needed in cases of inclement weather.
