Colorado has a strong dinosaur community due to its unique access to artifacts from the dinosaur age. The uplift that formed the mountains exposed layers of rock that had been buried for centuries, as stated by Bruce Schumacher, senior paleontologist with the U.S. Forest Service.
This state has a vibrant paleontology community, leading to many fossils being displayed locally, making it an ideal destination for dinosaur enthusiasts.
Below are 10 places in Colorado where you can explore the world of dinosaurs, witness rare discoveries, and even participate in excavations.
WHERE TO WALK IN THE TRACKS OF DINOSAURS
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Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison is one of Colorado’s iconic dinosaur sites and easily accessible. It features fossils and tracks visible from a 2-mile paved road, with a visitors’ center, indoor exhibit halls, and kid-friendly digging areas. The Triceratops Trail, a 1.5-mile gravel path starting in Golden, offers a rare close-up of a Tyrannosaurus Rex footprint. Guided tours are available. Admission is free; visit dinoridge.org for more information.
2 Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument in the town of Dinosaur spans 210,000 acres of desert canyons in Colorado and Utah. While there are no fossils on the Colorado side, visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, rafting, petroglyphs, and scenic drives. Entry fees range from $15 to $25 or are included with a national parks pass. Learn more at nps.gov/dino.
3 Picket Wire Canyonlands
Picket Wire Canyonlands in southeastern Colorado houses North America’s largest tracksite with over 1,900 prints from 130 different dinosaurs. A challenging 11-mile round trip hike leads to Dinosaur Lake, where thousands of tracks can be seen. Admission is free; visit fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/ recarea/?recid=77620 for more details.
4 Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time
The Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time in Mack offers a 1.5-mile loop near a working quarry where bones of Jurassic-period dinosaurs like Camarasaurus and Allosaurus have been found. Admission is free; visit blm. gov/visit/rabbit-valley-trailthrough-time for more information.
5 West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracksite
The West Gold Hill Tracksite in Ouray, now publicly accessible, showcases a unique sauropod track pattern spanning 134 consecutive steps with a 270-degree turn. A hike up to 9,300 feet elevation is required to see the prints. Admission is free; visit fs.usda.gov/ detail/gmug/news-events/?cid= FSEPRD1171521 for more information.
WHERE TO SEE BONES AT THEIR BEST
6 Dinosaur Journey Museum
The Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita features Jurassic-period fossils, life-size skeletal replicas, and animatronic dinosaurs including a T. Rex. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $5 for kids. Visit museumofwesternco.com/visit/ dinosaur-journey for more information.
7 Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers a diverse range of exhibits, with a focus on dinosaurs on the third level. Tickets cost $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids. Additional fees apply for access to attractions like the planetarium. Visit dmns.org for more information.
8 Morrison Natural History Museum
The Morrison Natural History Museum, located near Dinosaur Ridge, showcases fossils, history, and interactive exhibits. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $12 for kids. Visit morrisonco.us/335/MorrisonNatural-History-Museum for more information.
9 The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Colorado Springs, run by Triebold Paleontology Inc., displays various fossils, including a juvenile T. Rex discovered in 2022. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $9 for children. Visit rmdrc.com for more information.
10 Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience
The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience in Canon City offers interactive experiences alongside fossil displays. Ticket prices range from $15 to $41.95 for adults and $12 to $31.95 for kids. Visit dinoxp.com for more information.
