Moen-avi, Arizona: Dinosaur Tracks

I recently visited the dinosaur tracks on my way out to Monument Valley. I will have to say it's a very interesting place to see. I was greeted by John Willie, whose family it is that owns the land that the tracks are on. He and his family are clearing the tracks, and a full dino skeleton, for visitors to see. Please stop by and see John. I was apprehensive about going alone, but after John gave me the tour and explained how his family owns the land and how the tracks have come to be, I'd say it was a very positive experience.

I for one fully enjoyed our visit to the Dinosaur Tracks by Tuba City. We were on our way to The Four Mesa's when we saw this poorly painted sign "Dinosaur Tracks Here". We barely got out and were quickly greeted by a teen Indian lad on his bike. "You wanna' see the dinosaur tracks?" Somewhat startled, we followed him carefully at first and he gave us a fine little tour of the tracks. He was knowledgeable and polite and never once asked for money. He wetted the tracks as we took pictures and informed and took questions. When we were through we thanked him and I gave him 5 bucks, which he politely thanked me for. We then headed to the rough-shod Indian Jewelry tables to have a look. We were greeted nicely by two other young Indian men. No one was drunk or obnoxious in any way. I lost interest soon and went to bring the truck up. My girlfriend stayed there still looking. Admittedly, I ran across a tall teen boy who was fairly drunk, yet polite. I kept careful tabs on him as we chatted about where I'm from and his tribe (Navajo). I mistakenly asked if he was a Hopi and he quickly came back "Noooooo...I'm a Navajo. The Hopi's are down the road some." I got uneasy briefly as history says that the two tribes were enemies back then. I didn't want to offend. He just chuckled when I apologized "That's okay bro." It went well in all. I drove back to my girlfriend and by this time her and the boys were laughing and joking. It was nice. We did buy a necklace and we drove away with a good feeling. It was nice chatting with them and they seemed genuinely happy with the chat we had. It's too bad not all here had the time we had as I've read in the comments. We did. Just take things as they are, not as you think they should be. Different cultures are just that way. Be open to their ways and it's a good learning experience for all. We enjoy that way the most.

The dinosaur tracks are close to the highway and easily accessible. The local folk are willing to show you the tracks and can range from very knowledgeable to useless. Ask for fees first. The tracks are from several types of dinosaurs, there are also eggs and petrified dino poop -- a major hit with my teens. If you are lucky a fry bread stand will be open next to the tracks. If you have water to pour in the tracks you can see them much better. On request, you can get directions to some outstanding petroglyphs about two miles west of the tracks on a good dirt road. On "the Rez" it is considered polite to give rides to those who lack vehicles, but use your own judgement.

My travel guides said the tracks were in Tuba City, they are past Tuba City heading east on 160. If you get to highway 89 you've passed them. Just look for a sign pointing to the north side of the road. It was a very uncomfortable visit. There were several Native American "guides" who were very competitive for our business. We opted to go with the 'kid' who seemed the most sober (Sorry to say these guys fulfilled the dreadful stereotype) -- to which the other guides kept yelling to our backs, he's just a kid, what does he know? Couldn't wait to leave. Couldn't tell you if I saw any tracks, just wanted to get back to the car...