Utah Dig Uncovers Possible New Armored Dinosaur
Fossils at the Ironstone Bonebed near Arches National Park appear to belong to a previously unknown species.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Geology
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Utah Geological Survey paleontologists report that fossils from the newly opened Ironstone Bonebed, north of Arches National Park, appear to belong to a previously unknown armored dinosaur. The fossils date back roughly 140 million years.
Why it matters
The find adds to Utah's record of Jurassic-era dinosaurs, including four kinds already identified at the site. Scientists say the excavation is expected to keep researchers busy for years, offering a deeper look at the state's prehistoric ecosystem.
The fossils are estimated at roughly 140 million years old, and four different kinds of dinosaurs have been identified at the site so far. Formal scientific description and naming of the armored species have not yet been completed.
The players
Jim Kirkland
Utah's state paleontologist who leads the Ironstone Bonebed dig and plans to name the new dinosaur.
Don DeBlieux
Utah's assistant state paleontologist retiring at year's end, after decades of fieldwork with Kirkland.
The details
The Ironstone Bonebed sits atop the Morrison Formation and is being studied by Utah state paleontologists. Researchers are working to describe the fossils scientifically before naming the new species.
Timeline
Roughly 140 million years ago: the armored dinosaur lived, according to fossil dating.
End of the Jurassic period: a major extinction event removed many Utah dinosaurs.
End of 2026: Don DeBlieux retires from his state position as assistant state paleontologist.
Big Picture
The Ironstone Bonebed discovery extends the Utah Geological Survey's long-running work on Morrison Formation fossils, which has already yielded several dinosaur species from the Jurassic period. The new armored species adds to that record of the state's Jurassic-era fauna.
The find may eventually shape how Utah's Jurassic ecosystems are taught and displayed in museums and educational settings. Scientists expect the excavation to continue for years, so further fossil discoveries remain possible.
The takeaway
The Ironstone Bonebed shows that Utah's Jurassic landscape still holds undescribed species, and careful fieldwork over decades can keep turning up new discoveries.
Further reading
Explore more on Geology to see how fossil sites like this one reveal Utah's deep past.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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