Dinosaur Ridge
Explore North America's #1 dinosaur tracksite! Walk among ancient footprints and discover fossils on scenic trails near Denver.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Dinosaur Ridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore North America's #1 dinosaur tracksite! Walk among ancient footprints and discover fossils on scenic trails near Denver.
"This place is amazing!!! If you love dinosaurs and/or geology or have loved ones that do, this is the place for you."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Trackways
Dinosaur Ridge Trail
Walk among hundreds of ancient footprints, a testament to prehistoric giants. Rated #1 in the nation!
Fossil Discoveries
Exhibit Hall & Ridge Trail
See actual dinosaur bones and learn about significant paleontological finds from this rich site.
Guided Bus Tour
Visitor Center
Gain expert insights from knowledgeable guides on the history and science of Dinosaur Ridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
🚌 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with expert insights; the bus tour is great for all fitness levels.
🚗 Plenty of Parking
Ample parking is available, making it easy to start your dinosaur adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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.
🚌 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with expert insights; the bus tour is great for all fitness levels.
🚗 Plenty of Parking
Ample parking is available, making it easy to start your dinosaur adventure.
📸 Capture the Moment
Don't forget your camera to document the incredible tracks and fossils!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. 
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.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center, making it easy for visitors to access the trails and exhibits.
Absolutely! Dinosaur Ridge is a perfect day trip from Denver, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life just a short drive away.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Admission fees typically cover access to the exhibit hall and the guided bus tour, which includes educational commentary and stops at key fossil sites.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Yes, Dinosaur Ridge offers guided bus tours led by knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth information about the fossils and tracks.
Dinosaur Ridge features tracks and fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, including dinosaurs like sauropods, theropods, and ornithopods.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
The nearby towns of Morrison and Golden offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and breweries for a post-dinosaur adventure meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The trackways themselves offer incredible photo opportunities. The guided bus tour allows for stops at scenic points for pictures.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Dinosaur Ridge for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific restrictions in exhibit areas.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you're interested in capturing details of fossils, a zoom lens can be helpful.
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.
Yes, the colorful dinosaur statues are popular photo subjects, especially for families and children.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as food options are limited on-site. The exhibit hall at the visitor center offers a great way to cool down and see more fossils up close. It's an educational adventure that sparks imagination and creates lasting memories for kids of all ages.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond the main ridge, explore other trails that might be open depending on the season, offering different perspectives of the area. The opportunity to walk among actual dinosaur tracks is a unique experience for any outdoor enthusiast. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, like the elk sometimes spotted on the hillsides.
🤓 Paleontology & Geology Buffs
+1Spend time in the exhibit hall to see key discoveries and learn about the geological history of the region, including the ancient Western Interior Seaway. The ability to see and study these fossils and tracks in situ offers an unparalleled learning experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Tracks
+1The site boasts over 300 dinosaur tracks and 15 fossil and geological sites along its trails. This concentration of evidence has led to its designation as the #1 dinosaur tracksite in America by paleontologists. The accessibility of these tracks, many of which are clearly visible on the paved ridge trail, allows visitors to connect directly with the ancient past. The ongoing research and preservation efforts by organizations like Friends of Dinosaur Ridge ensure that this scientific treasure remains available for education and discovery.
+2Beyond the tracks, Dinosaur Ridge also features fossilized bones and geological formations that tell a broader story of ancient Colorado. The visitor center and exhibit hall further enhance the learning experience, displaying key discoveries and providing context for the fossils found on the ridge. This comprehensive approach makes Dinosaur Ridge a vital location for both scientific study and public engagement with paleontology.
Exploring Dinosaur Ridge: Trails and Tours
For a more guided and less strenuous experience, the guided bus tour is highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating details about the fossils, geology, and history of the site, making the discoveries come alive. The bus tour allows for stops at key locations, offering ample opportunities for photos and questions. This option is ideal for families, individuals with mobility concerns, or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the area's paleontological significance.
Additionally, a hop-on, hop-off shuttle service is available, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace while still having transportation assistance. This provides flexibility, enabling you to spend more time at certain track sites or geological features. The visitor center also houses an exhibit hall with more fossils and information, complementing the outdoor exploration.
Beyond Dinosaurs: Other Discoveries
The geological formations themselves are a key attraction, showcasing layers of rock that tell a story spanning millions of years. These formations provide context for the fossil discoveries and offer insights into the ancient environments that existed in Colorado. The Western Interior Seaway, a large inland sea that covered much of North America during the Cretaceous period, played a significant role in shaping the landscape and preserving the fossils found here.
Organizations like the Colorado Mineral Society and the Western Interior Paleontological Society often partner with Dinosaur Ridge for educational events, highlighting the diverse scientific interests the site supports, from paleontology to mineralogy.
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