• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Uncover Colorado Logo

Free Colorado Travel Guide | Vacations, Travel and Tourism

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Lodging
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner

Dinosaur Ridge—Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas

Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas National Natural Landmark

Dinosaur Ridge is a unique geological site situated in the Morrison Formation located just outside of Denver, Colorado. It’s a world-famous destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and scientists alike, as it is home to an abundance of dinosaur fossils and tracks that are over 100 million years old.

You’ll find a variety of hiking trails, guided tours, and exhibits that showcase the fossils and footprints of prehistoric creatures from the Late Jurassic Period. Dinosaur Ridge is a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology, geology, or natural history.

It is one of the handful of fossil areas in the state that offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the remains of the incredible creatures that once roamed the earth.

National Natural Landmark in Jefferson County

Dinosaur Ridge Tracks Morrison Colorado
Dinosaur tracks. Photo by: 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.

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 center offering burritos, pretzels, and more. It’s open seasonally for lunch and snacks.

The park is part of the Morrison Fossil Area, a layer of rock that was formed during the Late Jurassic Period which is a National Natural Landmark that was designated in 1973.

Guided Tours

Dinosaur Ridge Brontosaurus Fossils Morrison
Dinosaur Ridge guide explains the brontosaurus fossils. Photo by: Chris Light

The Visitor Center offers walking and bus tours if you want a more educational and guided experience within the park. All tours can accommodate large groups as long as you notify the center a few weeks before your visit.

Guided Bus Tour

Guests 5 and older are welcome on this 45-60 minute small bus tour with stops at Bone Bed, the Brontosaur Bulges, and the Dinosaur Tracksite. Professional guides personalize your tour based on the interests of the group and cover topics including local history, geology, and in-depth information about the dinosaur tracks.

Guided Walking Tour

Tour guide at Dinosaur Ridge standing in front of small group of people holding up a picture of a Triceratops
Guided walking tour at Dinosaur Ridge. Photo by: facebook.com/dinoridge

There are two options for walking tours: either be guided by a volunteer or a geologist for roughly 2 hours on Dinosaur Ridge or Triceratops Trail. The geologist-led tours are recommended for guests aged 16 or older and include rich information about the geological makeup of the region and track sites. The volunteer-led walk is more suitable for younger guests and provides a more interpretive experience.

Self-guided Walking Tour

If you prefer to move around at your own pace, there are plenty of interpretive signs throughout both the Dinosaur Ridge and Triceratops Trail. Grab a map at the Visitor Center, and maybe even download an audio tour to guide you along as you explore the wonders of the prehistoric beasts who once roamed Colorado.

Hiking trails

Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas Triceratops Trail
Triceratops Trail.

Dinosaur Ridge Trail – Over 15 interpretive sites, 2 miles round trip, and takes 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, a little bit shorter and takes about 1 hour to walk through. The scenic trail is located one block east of 6th avenue and 19th st in Golden. Highlights tracks, fossils, and clay mining.

Programs

Group of children sitting on small set of bleachers while Dinosaur Ridge tour guide in blue polo explains something
Educational program for kids at Dinosaur Ridge. Photo by: facebook.com/dinoridge

Dinosaur Ridge offers a range of educational programs designed for both children and adults. For children, there are a variety of programs designed to make learning about dinosaurs and geology fun. Popular options include “Dinosaur Detective,” which takes children on a scavenger hunt through the exhibits, and “Fossil Lab,” which allows children to touch and examine real fossils under the guidance of an expert.

For adults, Dinosaur Ridge offers a range of more in-depth educational programs. Notable programs include the “Advanced Geology Hike,” which takes visitors on a strenuous hike through the park, and the “Paleontology Experience,” which allows visitors to work alongside scientists in the field and learn about the techniques used to study fossils.

Getting There

Dinosaur Ridge Roadcut I-70 Morrison
Dinosaur Ridge roadcut on I-70. Photo by: Jstuby

To drive to Dinosaur Ridge from Denver, get on I-70 westbound towards Golden. Take exit 259 towards Morrison and turn left onto CO-93 South. Continue for about 1.5 miles and turn right onto Alameda Parkway. Follow the signs for Dinosaur Ridge and turn right onto Rooney Road. Continue for about 1 mile and the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center will be on your left. The drive takes about 30 minutes from downtown Denver, depending on traffic.

Morrison Golden Fossil Areas Dinosaur Ridge Tracks
Dinosaur Ridge tracks. Photo: Footwarrior
Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas Triceratops Trail
Fossils on Triceratops Trail.
Dinosaur Ridge Cretaceous Sandstone Layer Morrison
Cretaceous sandstone. Photo: Chris Light
Dinosaur Ridge Roadcut I-70 Morrison
Dinosaur Ridge roadcut on I-70. Photo: Jstuby
Dinosaur Ridge Cinquefoil Morrison Colorado
Cinquefoil (Potentilla diversifolia} on Dinosaur Ridge. Photo: Chris Light
Dinosaur Ridge Brontosaurus Fossils Morrison
Dinosaur Ridge guide explains the brontosaurus fossils. Photo: Chris Light
Dinosaur Ridge Morrison
Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison.
Dinosaur Ridge Morrison CO
The entrance is located just west of C-470 and Alameda.
Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center
The Visitor Center.
Dinosaur Ridge CO
There are several dinosaurs on display.
Dinosaur Ridge Stegosaurus
A stegosaurus.
Dinosaur Ridge Pedestrian Bike Road Morrison
Pedestrian and bike road, tour bus available too, on Dinosaur Ridge. Photo: Chris Light

Details

Address: 16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

County: Jefferson County

Phone: 303-697-3466

Season: Year-round

Pets: Yes, on a leash

Designated: 1973

Acres: 80

Ownership: County, Municipal, Private

Website: dinoridge.org and nps.gov/…

Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • America’s Biggest Breakdance Competition in Denver May 16-18
  • Titanic: An Immersive Voyage Opens in Denver on May 7
  • Mother’s Day Specials in Denver & Boulder
  • Try Lemon Wine on a Free Tour of Evergood Adventure Wines in Palmer Lake
  • 2 Best Hotels in Nederland, Colorado
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer—Terms of Service

Copyright © 2025 · Free Colorado Travel Guide | Vacations, Travel and Tourism · All Rights Reserved