Visiting Dinosaur Ridge will transport you back through the ages. Nothing quite brings these awe-inspiring creatures to life like walking in their footsteps. Two separate trails lead you past rock formations in which you will find fossilised bones and preserved footprints of some of the most well-known species of dinosaur.
The first specimens were discovered in the late 1800s, and subsequent archaeological excavations have unearthed a wealth of fossils. Such is the importance of these findings that this site was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973.
The Dinosaur Ridge Trail takes you to 15 separate fascinating sites, spread along the 3-kilometre circuit. Marvel at over 300 individual dinosaur footprints, showing individual toes and foot pads. Place your foot next to one of these imprints and you will be left in no doubt as to just how enormous these creatures were! You’ll also be able to explore the Dinosaur Ridge Bone Quarry, the site where the world’s first Stegosaurus fossil was discovered.
The second circuit, the Triceratops Trail, will introduce you to fossilised tracks that appear as casts of the imprints, like three-dimensional models of the creature’s foot. Over thousands of years, the layers of rock have shifted in such a way that these casts now protrude from the vertical cliff. Included in this unusual sight are track marks of the most fearsome of dinosaurs – the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
For extra background information, don’t miss the Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall. The interactive displays will teach you about the changing environments through the different prehistoric ages, and you can handle detailed replicas of key fossil specimens. The Goldilocks Footprint Experiment is perfect for children as well, explaining exactly how the Ridge’s famous footprints were preserved.
Guided tours are available, but they need to be booked at least two weeks in advance. Otherwise, guidebooks are available from the information centre.
Dinosaur Ridge is located near Morrison and is easily accessed by car. Free on-site parking is available. Alternatively, many travel agencies in Denver offer bus trips.
