Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison)

What: Dinosaur Ridge
Where: Morrison
When: Every day
Visitor Center hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM-4 PM, Sun Noon-4 PM
Interpretive trail is open daily until sundown

This site gives new meaning to the term “leave only footprints” when hiking! You’ll be amazed at the variety of prehistoric animal tracks, both large and small, which are available for viewing along this well-preserved site (see Map of main tracks).

Dinosaur Ridge is a geologically famous National Natural Landmark and is on the State Register of Historic Places. Here you will find Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Allosaurus, Apatosaurus and Stegosaurus, the Colorado State Fossil. The area contains well over 300 Cretaceous dinosaur footprints.

Take time to experience the self-guided tour which includes sixteen interpretative signs that describe fossil remains as well as other relevant features of the area. These informative signs have been placed along a one-mile (two-mile round trip) stretch of Alameda Parkway and enhance your tour of the area. This tour is best viewed on foot as parking space is limited and it is illegal and dangerous to stop on the highway while you read the signs. Besides, you probably need the exercise after sitting in the car on the drive over to area.

Stop at the Visitor Center prior to taking the self-guided tour. There you will find additional displays and be able to ask questions about the different formations and tracks you will be viewing on the tour. Guidebooks, which may be purchased at the Visitor Center, give more extensive information relating to each of the signed areas along the tour.

For more information, contact:
Friends of Dinosaur Ridge
16831 W. Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: (303) 697-3466

www.dinoridge.org
Map of main tracks website: www.dinoridge.org/TrackMap.htm


Additional directions:
(Source: Friends of Dinosaur Ridge Website)
To get to the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center, use one of the following options:
From I-70, take the Morrison Exit (259) and head south towards the Town of Morrison and Red Rocks. After approximately 1.5 miles, watch for the turn for W. Alameda Pkwy on your left – it’s the only road on your left that leads up and over the Ridge. The intersection is marked by a brown sign denoting the left turn for Dinosaur Ridge, and on your right, there is an entrance to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Follow W. Alameda Pkwy and you will see the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center at the base of the Ridge on your left.

From C-470, take the Morrison Road exit and head west towards the Town of Morrison. Turn right on S. Rooney Rd, which is approximately 200 feet west of the interchange (just before the Conoco Station). Follow Rooney Rd. past Bandimere Speedway until the road ends at a stop sign at W. Alameda Pkwy. Turn left onto W. Alameda Pkwy and you will see the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center on your right after approximately 1/4 mile.

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