Dinosaur Ridge Map and Brochure (2021 – 2023)
Location: Morrison, Colorado
Years Active: 1937 – Active
Dinosaur Ridge is a must-see for any prehistoric buff. You won’t find a place like this anywhere else – it’s where they discovered some of the first Stegosaurus bones! Just outside of Denver, this place is packed with real dinosaur tracks and fossils. They offer guided tours, but exploring on your own is cool, too.
Want a secret? Sometimes, just poking around on the outskirts of the main site can lead to awesome finds. Staff might give you the stink-eye, but hey, you might just find a hidden fossil.
It’s not just for kids. Dinosaur Ridge gets busy! If you want a quieter experience, go on a weekday, or even braving the cold in the off-season is worth it. They also do some adults-only events, sometimes with local paleontologists on-site. Keep an eye on their official website for those.
The site isn’t perfect. Some exhibits are a little dated, and yeah, maybe the gift shop is overpriced. But honestly, walking where dinosaurs walked? That makes everything worth it.
Why is it called Dinosaur Ridge?
Dinosaur Ridge is so named because it is a location renowned for its abundant dinosaur fossils and tracks. These prehistoric remnants provide invaluable insights into the Earth’s ancient past. The site, located near Morrison, Colorado, in the United States, is characterized by a significant concentration of dinosaur fossils, particularly from the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago. The name “Dinosaur Ridge” aptly reflects its historical and scientific significance as a paleontological treasure trove.
How tall is the dinosaur ridge?
Dinosaur Ridge stands at an elevation of approximately 6,300 feet (1,920 meters) above sea level. The ridge itself is not notably tall in terms of absolute elevation, but its geological formations and rock layers contain a rich repository of dinosaur fossils and tracks. These geological features have attracted researchers, scientists, and enthusiasts for decades, making Dinosaur Ridge a crucial site for understanding Earth’s ancient history and the creatures that once inhabited it.
Where is dinosaur country?
“Dinosaur country” typically refers to regions around the world where significant dinosaur discoveries have been made. While there is no specific geographic boundary defining dinosaur country, several areas are well-known for their dinosaur fossils and have earned this moniker. Notable examples include the western United States, especially states like Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, where dinosaur fossils are prevalent in various rock formations. Other dinosaur-rich areas include parts of China, Argentina, Canada, and Mongolia. These regions have yielded numerous dinosaur fossils, contributing significantly to our understanding of Earth’s prehistoric past.
