Dinosaur ridge panorama
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Dinosaur Ridge

4.6
·3k reviews·Morrison, United States

Explore North America's #1 dinosaur tracksite! Walk among ancient footprints and discover fossils on scenic trails near Denver.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Dinosaur ridge panorama

Dinosaur Ridge

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore North America's #1 dinosaur tracksite! Walk among ancient footprints and discover fossils on scenic trails near Denver.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"This place is amazing!!! If you love dinosaurs and/or geology or have loved ones that do, this is the place for you."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The ridge trail is paved but uphill. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Colorado sun can be intense. Stay hydrated and protected, especially on the exposed ridge.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,753 reviews

Type

Visitor Center

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Trackways

Dinosaur Trackways

Dinosaur Ridge Trail

Walk among hundreds of ancient footprints, a testament to prehistoric giants. Rated #1 in the nation!

Fossil Discoveries

Fossil Discoveries

Exhibit Hall & Ridge Trail

See actual dinosaur bones and learn about significant paleontological finds from this rich site.

Guided Bus Tour

Guided Bus Tour

Visitor Center

Gain expert insights from knowledgeable guides on the history and science of Dinosaur Ridge.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Dinosaur Ridge is a popular spot, especially for families. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays outside of school holidays. The guided tours are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the fossils and tracks.

Trail Preparedness

The main ridge trail involves an uphill hike. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the path is paved but can be steep. Bring water and sun protection, especially during warmer months. Consider the guided bus tour if mobility is a concern.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon guided tours
Why
Educational and engaging
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @silverback64636 there are also petroglyphs as well as well as a few structures from old settlements #dinotok #fypシ #foryoupage #dinosaur #accuratedinosaurs #paleontology #LearnOnTikTok #EduTok
@dinoguy128
2.8K likes • 23.1K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The ridge trail is paved but uphill. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Colorado sun can be intense. Stay hydrated and protected, especially on the exposed ridge. Reddit

Studying 100s of dinosaur tracks at “Dinosaur Freeway” in Morrison, Colorado. #FossilFriday During a research trip in 2017, I was given access to carefully study these awesome tracks @dinosaur.ridge. I returned in 2023 to deliver a talk about my book, LOCKED IN TIME, which included research from this site. The tracks were made around 100 million years ago by several different dinosaurs, including ...
@keaer404
2.1K likes • 54.3K views
"Our mission is not only to preserve the fossils of Dinosaur Ridge but to also to provide educational opportunities for our community," said Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, Director of Development and Membership, Amy Atwater. In this edition of #GetToKnowJeffco, learn how the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is using funds stemming from the sale of the Denver Broncos — and allocated by Jefferson County — to ...
jeffcocolorado
32 likes • 759 views

🚌 Guided Tour Recommended

Enhance your visit with expert insights; the bus tour is great for all fitness levels. TikTokReddit

🚗 Plenty of Parking

Ample parking is available, making it easy to start your dinosaur adventure. Reddit

Dinosaur Ridge is the #1 site to see dinosaur tracks in the nation as rated by paleontologists. Located just outside Denver, Colorado, it is known for its rich concentration of dinosaur fossils and remarkable dinosaur trackways which you can easily explore (for free). Many big time discoveries have been made in this area including those of dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus,...
uponarriving
1.6K likes • 45.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The ridge trail is paved but uphill. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Colorado sun can be intense. Stay hydrated and protected, especially on the exposed ridge. Reddit

🚌 Guided Tour Recommended

Enhance your visit with expert insights; the bus tour is great for all fitness levels. TikTokReddit

🚗 Plenty of Parking

Ample parking is available, making it easy to start your dinosaur adventure. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Don't forget your camera to document the incredible tracks and fossils! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Dinosaur Ridge for its incredible fossil and track sites, calling it a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts. The guided tours are highly praised for their educational value and engaging guides. While the uphill hike can be challenging, the paved path and option for a bus tour make it accessible for many.

"Not to nerd-out on you all but this place is amazing!!! If you love dinosaurs and/or geology or have loved ones that do, this is the place for you. You can explore the actual “ridge” for free if you hike up and down or you can do like we did and pay for the shuttle an get a guided tour of all the cool discoveries in this area. If you hike, it’s about a mile up and then down, plenty of parking. Jurassic John was our guide and super knowledgeable, engaging and informative."

Leah Bryant

"We met friends and took the guided bus tour! Definitely recommend that route. You can take your time going back through and using the hop on/ hop off shuttle. We aren’t sorry we picked this outing. Educational and fun, able to accommodate a multitude of physical activity abilities!"

Big Boneded

"The tour guide was amazing. Love how she treated me at my IQ level and not a child especially as there were only 2 of us and both adults!! I will say they really need to get a roof over these as the weather is taking it's toll on the finds here."

Verity Rothschild

What People Like

Amazing dinosaur tracks
Knowledgeable guides
Educational experience

What People Dislike

Uphill hike can be tiring
Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dinosaur Ridge is conveniently located just west of Denver, about a 15-20 minute drive via I-70. There's plenty of parking available at the visitor center. Instagram+1

While direct public transport to Dinosaur Ridge is limited, you can take public transit towards the general area and then consider a ride-share service for the final leg. It's best to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

From Denver, take I-70 West and exit at the Dinosaur Ridge exit. Follow the signs to the visitor center. The drive is scenic and straightforward. Instagram

Yes, there is ample parking available at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center, making it easy for visitors to access the trails and exhibits. Reddit

Absolutely! Dinosaur Ridge is a perfect day trip from Denver, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life just a short drive away. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While exploring the ridge itself is free if you hike up, the guided bus tours and access to the exhibit hall have associated fees. The guided bus tour is around $20 per person. InstagramReddit

Dinosaur Ridge typically operates daily, but it's always best to check their official website for the most current hours of operation, especially for the visitor center and exhibit hall. TikTok

It is highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your spot and ensure a smooth experience. Reddit

Admission fees typically cover access to the exhibit hall and the guided bus tour, which includes educational commentary and stops at key fossil sites. Reddit

Information on discounts, such as for groups or specific memberships, can usually be found on the official Dinosaur Ridge website or by contacting them directly. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Dinosaur Ridge Trail is a paved, uphill path approximately one mile long, leading to significant fossil and track sites. It's accessible but requires a moderate effort. Reddit

A self-guided hike can take 1-2 hours, while a guided bus tour is typically around 1 hour. You can spend longer if you wish to revisit areas or explore the exhibit hall. Reddit

Yes, Dinosaur Ridge offers guided bus tours led by knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth information about the fossils and tracks. TikTokReddit

Dinosaur Ridge features tracks and fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, including dinosaurs like sauropods, theropods, and ornithopods. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the paved trail is suitable for children, but the uphill climb may be challenging for very young ones. The guided bus tour is a great alternative for families. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dinosaur Ridge has a gift shop that may offer some snacks and drinks. For a full meal, it's recommended to dine in nearby Morrison or Golden. Reddit

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it in designated outdoor areas. There's an outside area to eat and hang out. Reddit

The nearby towns of Morrison and Golden offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and breweries for a post-dinosaur adventure meal. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The trackways themselves offer incredible photo opportunities. The guided bus tour allows for stops at scenic points for pictures. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Dinosaur Ridge for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific restrictions in exhibit areas. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you're interested in capturing details of fossils, a zoom lens can be helpful. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at natural landmarks and parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check Dinosaur Ridge's official policy. TikTok

Yes, the colorful dinosaur statues are popular photo subjects, especially for families and children. Reddit

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