About this place
The El Paso dinosaur footprint site lies just south of Villanueva de Huerva, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain. It sits alongside a ravine carved by the Huerva River, in limestone layers dating back to the Lower Cretaceous — specifically the Valanginian and Hauterivian stages. These ancient rock layers hold traces left by creatures that walked this land more than a hundred million years ago, and today they draw both researchers and curious travelers.
What footprints have been found here?
The El Paso site preserves three medium-sized theropod dinosaur footprints. Researchers determined that these tracks belong to at least two different theropod types. In 2005, members of the Aragosaurus paleontological research group from the University of Zaragoza noted marked differences between two separate trackways at the site, suggesting that two distinct predatory dinosaur taxa moved through the area during the Valanginian-Hauterivian period.
Why have these tracks survived for so long?
The answer lies in the local geology. The limestone in which the footprints are preserved formed during the Lower Cretaceous, over a hundred million years ago. The rock's composition allowed the shape of the footprints to be retained in remarkable detail, letting visitors today see impressions left when dinosaurs crossed damp, muddy ground near what is now the Huerva river valley.
How is the site set up for visitors?
The site has been adapted for public access. A wooden viewing platform lets visitors observe the footprints without risking damage to them, and a protective fence surrounds the area. Two interpretive panels have also been installed, explaining both the specifics of the site itself and the broader Early Cretaceous ecosystem that existed in this part of Spain. This makes the site approachable even for visitors without a background in paleontology.
Can the site be visited with a guide?
Yes — guided visits can be arranged by contacting the Museum of Dinosaurs in Zaragoza, which is based in Villanueva de Huerva itself. This is a good option for anyone who wants more context than the on-site panels provide, as well as for school groups and organized tours.
Are there other similar finds nearby?
Villanueva de Huerva has a rich paleontological history. In November 2021, a new site called Merendero del Baño was discovered close to El Paso, when a volunteer spotted fossilized footprints on a vertical rock face. Researchers believe these tracks may have been left by a quadrupedal dinosaur, likely belonging to the thyreophoran group, better known as armored dinosaurs. This suggests the area around Villanueva de Huerva still holds potential for further paleontological discoveries.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the site located? South of the town of Villanueva de Huerva, in the province of Zaragoza, alongside a ravine carved by the Huerva River.
How old are the dinosaur footprints at El Paso? They date from the Lower Cretaceous, specifically the Valanginian and Hauterivian stages — over a hundred million years old.
How many footprints have been preserved at the site? Three medium-sized theropod dinosaur footprints, belonging to at least two different types of theropods.
Is the site set up for tourists? Yes, it features a wooden viewing platform, a protective fence, and two interpretive panels.
Can visitors arrange a guided tour? Yes, by contacting the Museum of Dinosaurs in Zaragoza, located in Villanueva de Huerva.
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