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Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas National Natural Landmark

Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas – Dinosaur Ridge

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The Morrison Fossil Area shows rare dinosaur and crocodile bones, plant fossils, and geological features. It’s located along Dinosaur Ridge near Green Mountain, nearby Lakewood, CO. A trail runs north to Golden.

This extraordinary national natural landmark provides a one-of-a-kind walk through history. The trail time travels into the late Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods, unmatched in the country.

In addition to dinosaur and crocodile bones, four species of which are new to science, and plant fossils, this natural landmark also showcases unique dinosaur and reptile tracks, six species of which are new. Other fossils can be found as well.

National Natural Landmark in Jefferson County

Dinosaur Ridge Tracks Morrison Colorado
Dinosaur tracks. Photo: Chris Light

Dinosaur Ridge is located just off of C-470 and Alameda, west of Denver. In 1877 several dinosaurs were discovered at Dinosaur Ridge, including Apatosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus, bringing international attention to the area and dinosaurs.

There are two trails and a visitor center at Dinosaur Ridge. The visitor center features information on trails and a small gift shop. There is also a Stegosaurus Snack Shack located outside the visitor center offering burritos, pretzels, and more. It’s open from 10 am-4 pm Mon-Sat and 11 am-4 pm on Sun from June through August.

Dinosaur Ridge Pedestrian Bike Road Morrison
Pedestrian and bike road, tour bus available too, on Dinosaur Ridge. Photo: Chris Light

Dinosaur Ridge features a visitor center, which houses exhibits, a small gift shop, and information on its two prehistoric trails. The park is part of the Morrison Fossil Area, which is a National Natural Landmark that was designated in 1973.

Hiking trails

Self-guided, guided and shuttle bus tours are available year round. On both trails there are interpretive signs and displays informing visitors. Guided tours are only for groups who have registered in advance. Shuttle bus tours are available for $4 per person on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas Triceratops Trail
Triceratops Trail.

Dinosaur Ridge Trail – 15+ interpretive sites, 2 miles round trip, about 1-2 hours; Features hundreds of dinosaur tracks and a bone quarry. It’s accessible from the visitor center.

Triceratops Trail​ – 6 interpretive sites, 1.5 miles round trip, 1 hour; Scenic trail located one block east of 6th avenue and 19th st in Golden. Highlights tracks, fossils, and clay mining.

Dinosaur Ridge tracks. Photo: Footwarrior
Fossils on Triceratops Trail.
Cretaceous sandstone. Photo: Chris Light
Dinosaur Ridge roadcut on I-70. Photo: Jstuby
Cinquefoil (Potentilla diversifolia} on Dinosaur Ridge. Photo: Chris Light
Dinosaur Ridge guide explains the brontosaurus fossils. Photo: Chris Light
2012-06-11-Dinosaur-Ridge02-800x400
The entrance is located just west of C-470 and Alameda.
The Visitor Center.
There are several dinosaurs on display.
A stegosaurus.

Details

Address: 16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

County: Jefferson County

Phone: 303-697-3466

Season: Year-round

Pets: Yes, on leash

Designated: 1973

Acres: 80

Ownership: County, Municipal, Private

Website: dinoridge.org and nps.gov/…

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