Utah’s newest state park, Utahraptor State Park, located near Moab, is getting ready for its official grand opening later this year. This exciting event will mark the culmination of years of planning and development since the park was established in 2021. The park has already been open to visitors, but many people have been waiting for it to offer more amenities and services, which are now being added.
Utahraptor State Park: A New Adventure for Visitors
Utahraptor State Park is a special place. The park is located in Grand County, just outside Moab, a popular area known for its outdoor activities and scenic beauty. What makes Utahraptor State Park unique is its rich connection to history. It is named after the Utahraptor, a dinosaur that was discovered in the area. Visitors can not only enjoy outdoor recreation but also learn about the region’s prehistoric past.
While the park has been open since 2021, it hasn’t yet had its grand opening. However, the park is now preparing to celebrate this important milestone in 2025. Scott Strong, the director of the Utah Division of State Parks, shared with state lawmakers that the official opening will likely take place in the coming months.
Recent Improvements to the Park
To make Utahraptor State Park more appealing to visitors, several improvements have been made. One of the biggest changes is the addition of 67 modern campgrounds. This means that visitors can now camp in more comfortable conditions, with better facilities available. These new campgrounds also come with water and power services, something that wasn’t available at the park before.
Additionally, the park is seeing improvements in other areas, like roads and recreational spaces. This is great news for anyone looking to spend time outdoors in the area, whether they enjoy camping, hiking, or exploring by bike or off-highway vehicles.
What Visitors Can Expect at Utahraptor State Park
Once the park fully opens, it will offer visitors a chance to experience a wide variety of activities. Whether you want to camp under the stars, ride off-road vehicles, or hike through the beautiful landscape, the park has something for everyone.
In fact, Scott Strong is very excited about the possibilities. He shared that there are so many dinosaur fossils in the area that visitors can practically pick up a rock and find one. For dinosaur fans and curious explorers, the park is a goldmine of history.
This connection to dinosaurs is one of the biggest draws of Utahraptor State Park. The park aims to blend outdoor fun with an educational experience, teaching visitors about the prehistoric world that once existed in the area. The park’s staff hopes that this unique feature will attract more visitors in the coming years.
Challenges and Early Reception
Though the park has seen some positive changes, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. In fact, Utahraptor State Park had only 26,000 visitors during the 2024 fiscal year, making it one of the least-visited parks in the state. This is mainly because the park wasn’t fully developed when it first opened. Some visitors have left poor reviews, complaining about the lack of facilities and activities at the park. Some have even called it a “cash grab” due to the limited services at the time.
However, with the new developments and the upcoming grand opening, the park is expected to attract many more visitors. Officials are confident that these improvements will make the park a more popular destination.
Improvements Across Utah’s State Parks
Utahraptor State Park is not the only park receiving upgrades this year. Several other parks are also getting new amenities. For example, Red Fleet State Park in Vernal is set to unveil a new campground, tiny houses, and more parking spaces for day-use visitors. Additionally, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park will see new campgrounds, and Bear Lake State Park is adding new areas for visitors to enjoy.
With all these updates, Utah’s state parks are becoming even more accessible and enjoyable for families, adventurers, and outdoor lovers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Utah’s Parks
The Utah Division of State Parks is continuing to make improvements to the state’s 46 parks, ensuring that each one offers a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone. These changes are funded by fees collected from park visitors, including camping, day-use passes, and other activities. As the parks continue to grow and evolve, Utah is becoming an even more attractive destination for outdoor recreation.
With the grand opening of Utahraptor State Park coming soon, it is clear that Utah’s state parks are on the rise. Whether you’re a nature lover, a dinosaur enthusiast, or someone looking for adventure, Utah’s state parks are ready to welcome you.
(Source : ksl.com)
