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Dinosaur Ridge Colorado

4.6
·329 reviews·, United States

Explore North America's #1 dinosaur track site, featuring hundreds of ancient footprints and fossilized bones.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday sun & crowds

CrowdLow
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Dinosaur ridge panorama

Dinosaur Ridge Colorado

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday sun & crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore North America's #1 dinosaur track site, featuring hundreds of ancient footprints and fossilized bones.

4.6
(329 reviews)

"Everyone should have this experience; it deeply touched the child in me!"

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There's not much shade on the trails .

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The main trail is paved, but good shoes are essential for exploring the ridge .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Trackways

Dinosaur Trackways

Main trail

Walk among hundreds of ancient dinosaur footprints, a truly awe-inspiring experience for all ages.

Fossilized Dinosaur Bones

Fossilized Dinosaur Bones

Along the trail and visitor center

See real dinosaur bones embedded in the rock, offering a tangible connection to prehistoric giants.

Visitor Center Exhibits

Visitor Center Exhibits

Base of the ridge

Explore interactive displays and learn about the geology and paleontology of Dinosaur Ridge.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Dinosaur Ridge is largely exposed, so plan for sun protection and water, especially during summer. Arriving early or later in the day can help avoid the midday sun and larger groups. Consider the guided bus tour if little legs get tired or the heat is intense.Reddit

Free Exploration, Paid Tours

While walking the main trackway is free, guided bus tours offer a more in-depth experience with knowledgeable guides, which many visitors find worthwhile for understanding the fossils and tracks.Reddit Check the visitor center for current tour schedules and costs.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid midday sun & crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer weekend visitors
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

starting the campaign for me to go to the @Jurassic World premiere right neowwwwww 🦕 Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Exhibition Hall in Jensen, UT and Dinosaur, CO#agreatamericangaysidequest #jurrasicworld #dinosaur
@marcsebastianf
403.2K likes • 2M views

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There's not much shade on the trails.Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The main trail is paved, but good shoes are essential for exploring the ridge.Reddit

@instonefossils
44.7K likes • 534.6K views
Dinosaur Ridge is the #1 site to see dinosaur tracks in the nation as rated by paleontologists. Located just outside Denver, Colorado, it is known for its rich concentration of dinosaur fossils and remarkable dinosaur trackways which you can easily explore (for free). Many big time discoveries have been made in this area including those of dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus,...
uponarriving
1.6K likes • 45.9K views

🚌 Consider the Bus Tour

A guided tour offers great insights and is easier on little legs or in hot weather.Reddit

📸 Camera Ready!

Capture incredible prehistoric sights, but be mindful of heat affecting electronics.Reddit

Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado #dalespointsofinterest #learnsomethingnew #travelbug #makegoodchoices #lifelonglearners #dinosaurridge #colorado
dalespointsofinterest
39 likes • 495 views

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There's not much shade on the trails.Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The main trail is paved, but good shoes are essential for exploring the ridge.Reddit

🚌 Consider the Bus Tour

A guided tour offers great insights and is easier on little legs or in hot weather.Reddit

📸 Camera Ready!

Capture incredible prehistoric sights, but be mindful of heat affecting electronics.Reddit

💰 Free to Walk the Trail

Enjoy the main dinosaur trackway and fossil sites for free!

What Travellers Say

4.6
(329 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Dinosaur Ridge for its incredible dinosaur tracks and fossils, calling it a must-see for all ages. The free access to the main trail is a huge plus, though many recommend the guided bus tour for a deeper understanding. Some note the lack of shade and potential for heat, advising preparedness.

"We did the guided bus tour, which I definitely recommend- I am not opposed to hiking, but my kids were tired of hot walks! Also, good info learned- a bonus for homeschooling!"

Big Boneded

"Went here on a Friday when they opened at 9a. It was very fun. We walked the whole thing and even did the lookout path (which is worth it). Kids had a ton of fun seeing the fossils. It is free if you walk it. The walk is around 2.5 miles to and from the gift shop. Would definitely recommend doing this. There isn’t much shade so bring a hat. Kids loved seeing all the sights and learning about the fossils and how they got there."

Drew Steadman

"August 2021 went to Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison Colorado

Visited August 11, 2024 The site of numerous dinosaur tracks and fossils from the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods!"

Dani MCDonald

What People Like

Abundant dinosaur tracks
Fossilized dinosaur bones
Free trail access

What People Dislike

Lack of shade
Midday heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dinosaur Ridge is located just west of Denver, near Morrison, Colorado, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver along I-70.Instagram It's easily accessible by car with ample parking.Reddit You can also reach it via Lyft or Uber.Reddit

Dinosaur Ridge is situated just outside of Denver, specifically near Morrison, Colorado.Instagram+1 It's often associated with the Denver area due to its proximity.

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Dinosaur Ridge. The site is well-marked off I-70. Public transport options are limited, but ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are viable alternatives.Reddit

Yes, Dinosaur Ridge is located near Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, making it a great addition to a day of exploring the area.Instagram

Dinosaur Ridge is a short drive from Golden, Colorado, making it an easy excursion for those staying in or visiting the Golden area [^seo_keywords].

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Walking the main dinosaur trackway and viewing the fossils along the trail is free.InstagramReddit+1 There is a cost for guided bus tours and special programs offered at the visitor center [^seo_keywords].

The outdoor trackways and trails are generally accessible during daylight hours. The visitor center has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information [^seo_keywords].

For self-guided exploration of the trails, no advance booking is required. However, if you plan to take a guided bus tour, it's advisable to check availability and potentially book in advance, especially during peak season.Reddit

The outdoor trails are generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. The visitor center and its exhibits will have specific operating hours. Snow can impact trail access in winter.Instagram

General admission to walk the trails and see the dinosaur tracks and fossils is free. Paid options include guided bus tours, which provide in-depth information from knowledgeable guides.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can walk or take a guided bus tour along the 2-mile paved trail to see over 250 fossilized dinosaur footprints and bones from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.Instagram+1 The visitor center also offers exhibits and a gift shop.TikTok

A self-guided walk along the main trail can take about 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how much you stop to observe. Guided bus tours typically last around 1 hour.Reddit

The main trackway trail is paved and relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors, including families with strollers.Instagram There are also optional lookout paths that are more strenuous.Reddit

Yes, Dinosaur Ridge is renowned for having one of the world's largest continuous sets of dinosaur tracks, with over 250 fossilized footprints visible along the trail.Instagram+2

Fossils found at Dinosaur Ridge represent dinosaurs from the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods, including species like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. Recent findings also suggest behavioral similarities to modern birds.Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The dinosaur trackways themselves offer incredible photo opportunities. The panoramic views from the ridge, especially from the lookout paths, are also stunning.Reddit

Yes, photography is encouraged at Dinosaur Ridge. However, be mindful of the weather conditions, as extreme heat can affect electronic devices like phone cameras.Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment. Professional or commercial photography may require permits.

Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft lighting for photographs, while also helping you avoid the harshest midday sun.Reddit

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the sights. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it can offer more flexibility, especially for capturing details of the fossils and wider landscape shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dinosaur Ridge is a fantastic destination for families! The free, paved 2-mile trail makes it accessible for strollers and little legs.Instagram Kids will be thrilled to see real dinosaur footprints and bones up close.Reddit The visitor center offers engaging exhibits that can further spark their curiosity about paleontology.TikTok

Consider the guided bus tour if your children might tire easily or if you want a more structured, educational experience.Reddit It's a great way to keep them entertained and learning. Remember to pack plenty of water and sun protection, as the trails are quite exposed.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Dinosaur Ridge is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as walking the main trackway and viewing fossils is completely free.InstagramReddit+1 You can spend hours exploring the site without spending a dime on admission. The visitor center and gift shop offer affordable souvenirs if you wish to take a memento home.Reddit

While the guided bus tours have a fee, they offer significant value for the information provided.Reddit If your budget is very tight, the self-guided walk still provides an incredible and educational experience. Pack your own snacks and water to save on costs.

🤓 Science & History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by paleontology and natural history, Dinosaur Ridge is a must-visit. As North America's #1 dinosaur track site, it offers unparalleled opportunities to see fossilized dinosaur footprints and bones in their original context.Instagram+1 The site's geological formations provide insights into ancient ecosystems and the history of life on Earth.Instagram

The guided bus tours are particularly valuable, led by knowledgeable guides who can delve into the scientific significance of the discoveries.Reddit The visitor center's exhibits further enhance the learning experience, making it a rich destination for in-depth exploration and discovery.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Paleontological Significance of Dinosaur Ridge

Dinosaur Ridge is a National Natural Landmark and is considered North America's #1 dinosaur track site by paleontologists.Instagram+1 The site boasts an incredible concentration of fossils, including over 250 fossilized dinosaur footprints and bones, dating back approximately 100 to 150 million years to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.Instagram This makes it a crucial location for understanding prehistoric life in the region.

Recent scientific discoveries at Dinosaur Ridge have even shed light on dinosaur behavior, revealing similarities to modern-day birds.Instagram The layers of ancient rock and embedded fossils tell a compelling story of a world vastly different from today, offering a unique window into Earth's ancient past. The site is not just a tourist attraction but a living laboratory for paleontological research and education.Instagram

Many significant fossil discoveries have been made here, contributing to our broader understanding of dinosaur evolution and ecosystems.Instagram The accessibility of these fossils and tracks allows visitors to connect directly with scientific history, making it a truly special place for anyone interested in dinosaurs and natural history.Instagram

Exploring Dinosaur Ridge: Trails and Tours

The primary way to experience Dinosaur Ridge is via its 2-mile paved trail.Instagram This accessible path winds along the ridge, offering numerous points of interest where you can see dinosaur tracks and fossilized bones embedded directly in the rock formations.Instagram+1 The trail is largely exposed, so visitors are advised to come prepared with sun protection and water, especially during warmer months.Reddit

For a more immersive and informative experience, the guided bus tour is highly recommended.Reddit Knowledgeable guides lead visitors along the trackway, pointing out significant fossils, explaining geological formations, and sharing fascinating facts about the dinosaurs that once roamed the area.Reddit This option is particularly beneficial for families with young children or those who prefer not to hike the entire distance in the sun.Reddit

Beyond the main trail, there are also lookout paths that offer more challenging hikes and rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.Reddit Whether you choose to explore independently or with a guide, Dinosaur Ridge provides an engaging and educational adventure into the prehistoric world.

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