Dinosaur Ridge
The Dinosaur Ridge area is one of the world’s most famous dinosaur fossil localities. Here, in 1877, some of the best-known dinosaurs were first discovered. These include Apatosaurus, better known as Brontosaurus; Diplodocus; Stegosaurus, the Colorado State Fossil; and Allosaurus. These animals represented life 145 million years ago in the Late Jurassic Epoch, also known as the “Age of Brontosaurs.”
These discoveries sparked off a historic dinosaur “gold rush” that traced the bone-bearing strata, known as the Morrison Formation, across a large part of the Rocky Mountain region. This “Golden Age” of 19th century dinosaur exploration led to the discovery of many other important sites. The dozens of successful excavations at Dinosaur Ridge and these other locations stocked many of the world’s museums and brought dinosaurs to public attention.
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Offering Types: Anytime Activities, Attraction
Age Levels: Elementary School, For Parents, High School, Middle School, Preschool
Categories: Archeology-Paleontology, Attractions-Entertainment, History, Museums-Zoos, Nature - Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Landmarks, Science
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16831 W. Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465 | Go to Map
Phone: 303-697-3466
Review Dinosaur Ridge
Tours are offered year-round, weather permitting. Guided tours are available during the week with advance reservations. Please call (303) 697-3466 or email tours@dinoridge.org to arrange guided tours during the week. Most tours take between 1 to 2 hours. Start times are flexible, and set on arrangement. When planning transportation, keep in mind the travel time from your site to ours and remember to plan time for the restroom. If you plan to eat lunch here, there are 6 picnic tables available on-site on a first come, first served basis. 3 picnic tables are in the shade of a large tree on the west side of the Visitor Center and 3 picnic tables are under the shade of a screen on the north side (back) of the Visitor Center. Other nearby places for a picnic lunch are Red Rocks Park, Matthews-Winters Open Space Park, and Bear Creek Lake Park. Academic School Groups: $24.00 deposit (covers 1-12 people). For each additional student, the price is $2.00. General Guided Tours (Public, Day Care Facilities, Scouts, etc.): $36 deposit (covers 1-12 people). For each additional person (over the age of 3), the price is $3.00.
Themes, Exhibitions, & Longterm Events:
Dinosaur Discovery Days are an opportunity to view the tracks, bones, and other spectacular examples of geology and paleontology along Dinosaur Ridge with volunteer guides and without the distraction of passing traffic. These free days run from 10:00am to 2:30pm. During that time, West Alameda Parkway over the Ridge will be closed to vehicular traffic and guides will give demonstrations and answer questions at many of the interpretive stops along the Ridge. No reservations are necessary. Admission to the program and the Visitor Center is free. Shuttle bus transportation (optional) along the Ridge is $2.00 per person. Buses pick passengers up on the east side of the Ridge approximately every 15 minutes. July 5 Aug 2 Sept 6
