What You Need To Know About Utah’s Newest State Park

Utah is gearing up for Spring and the grand opening of its newest state park in April.  

Though final details are still being hammered out, Utahraptor State Park is expected to open in late April. After getting approval in 2021 by the Utah legislature, this state park had been struggling to be completed, the Salt Lake Tribune said.  

Issues like rising construction cost, COVID-19, labor costs and more had stalled the parks building.  

However, Utahraptor State Park is pretty close to being ready for the public. With a modern camping site, primitive camp sites, restrooms, showers and a visitation center, the park will be up to Utah standards soon.  

Parking and the primitive campsites are set but the modern campsite and other buildings are still being finished.  

Located 15 miles northwest of Moab, Utahraptor State Park will honor both the large fossil site and historical significance of the area, the SLT said. As one of North Americas largest fossil sites and a place where Japanese Americans were held in isolation, there will be displays for visitors to see.  

The new state park will allow for camping, hiking, biking and OHVs.  

Right now, park staff are working on getting the trails up to “Utah standard” and will add signage.  

The biggest question is whether or not those going to Arches using Willow Springs Road will also have to pay to enter Utahraptor State Park. As the grand opening gets closer, hopefully an answer will be available that makes sense for visitors to both parks.