Dinosaur Ridge: A Journey Through Time

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Walk where dinosaurs roamed at Dinosaur Ridge, a top-rated fossil site near Denver with tracks, bones, and fascinating geological history.

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Dinosaur Ridge

Explore Dinosaur Ridge, a world-renowned fossil site near Denver, Colorado, where the first Stegosaurus fossils were discovered. Walk along the Dakota Hogback, see dinosaur tracks and bones, and learn about the region's rich prehistoric past.

A brief summary to Dinosaur Ridge

Colorado, US

Local tips

Bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing, as there is limited shade and the weather can change quickly.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the paved trail, which has a gradual incline.
Visit the Main Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall to learn about the dinosaurs and geology before heading out on the trail.
Consider taking a guided bus tour for a more in-depth experience and access to areas not accessible on the self-guided walk.
Check the Dinosaur Ridge website for seasonal hours and special events.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Matthews / Winters Park

Matthews/Winters Park: A Natural Escape

Dinosaur Ridge Main Visitor Center

Dinosaur Ridge: Walk Among Giants

The Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center at Dino Ridge

Getting There

Driving

Dinosaur Ridge is located off C-470 at the Alameda Parkway exit. From Denver, take C-470 west to the Alameda Parkway exit. Follow the signs to the Main Visitor Center. Parking is free at the Main Visitor Center and additional parking is available at the east and west gates. Note that parking lots close and are locked at either 4 PM or 5 PM depending on the season.
Public Transport

From Denver Union Station, take the tram to Federal Center Station. From there, take a taxi or rideshare to Dinosaur Ridge. The tram ride takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $3. A taxi or rideshare from Federal Center Station to Dinosaur Ridge will cost approximately $25-$30. Alternatively, take the bus from Denver to W Colfax Ave & Colorado Mills Blvd. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to Dinosaur Ridge.

Discover more about Dinosaur Ridge

Dinosaur Ridge, located in Jefferson County, Colorado, near Morrison and just west of Denver, is a segment of the Dakota Hogback in the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark. This remarkable site offers a glimpse into the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods, showcasing fossils and tracks from dinosaurs that roamed the area millions of years ago. In 1877, Arthur Lakes and Henry Beckwith discovered the first dinosaur material in the Morrison Formation here, leading to the excavation of numerous quarries. Paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh identified several well-known dinosaurs from these remains, including Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, Allosaurus, and the first-ever Stegosaurus. The rocks on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge are part of the Morrison Formation of Jurassic age. On the east side, the rocks are part of the Cretaceous Dakota Formation. In 1937, construction workers building the Alameda Parkway uncovered hundreds of dinosaur footprints. Today, visitors can explore Dinosaur Ridge through guided bus tours, self-guided walks, and visits to the Exhibit Hall and Discovery Center. The outdoor trail, a paved road closed to regular traffic, stretches for about 2 miles round-trip, climbing 700 feet along the ridge. Interpretive signs explain the local geology, paleo-ecology, trace fossils, and bone fossils. The site also offers educational programs and exhibits, making it a must-see destination for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.