Dinosaur Ridge: A Journey Through Time

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.