Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge

Dinosaur Ridge Tours and Tickets

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The world's first Stegosaurus fossils were discovered at Dinosaur Ridge—an important paleontology site in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A paved hiking trail contains hundreds of footprints from Cretaceous creatures, while a visitor center aims to educate about the area’s prehistoric past.

  • Mon-Sat from 9am - 5 pm, Sun from 12-5pm
  • 16831 W Alameda Parkway, Morrison, Colorado, 80401

Tours and Tickets to Experience Dinosaur Ridge

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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are Dinosaur Ridge hours of operation?
A:
Dinosaur Ridge hours of operation: Mon-Sat from 9am - 5 pm, Sun from 12-5pm. Buy tickets in advance on Viator. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
People Also Ask
Q:Why is it called Dinosaur Ridge?
A:Dinosaur Ridge got its name because of the abundance of dinosaur fossils Arthur Lakes unearthed along Colorado's Dakota Hogback in 1876. A portion of the hogback was christened Dinosaur Ridge and is now a celebrated outdoor museum famed for its prehistoric remnants and geological features.
Q:How much does it cost to go to Dinosaur Ridge Colorado?
A:Dinosaur Ridge is free to enter; it's easy to access the trails and explore the site. For a deeper dive into paleontology and the site's fossil discoveries, opt for a guided tour, for which there's a charge. Some travelers prefer the convenience of a bus tour or the informative content of an audio guide.
Q:What are the bulges at Dinosaur Ridge?
A:The bulges at Dinosaur Ridge refer to the preserved footprints of dinosaurs from the Jurassic period. Dinosaurs such as brontosauruses walked on soft sediment, and these prints were filled by layers of sand over the years. These then solidified into fossils over 150 million years, leaving a visible downward bulge.
Q:Is visiting Dinosaur Ridge worth it?
A:Yes, visiting Dinosaur Ridge is worthwhile, especially for those interested in dinosaurs and geology. Famed for its plethora of fossils and ancient footprints, it’s one of the world’s most famous dinosaur fossil sites. Here, nature lovers can explore hiking trails and enjoy the educational, family-friendly exhibitions.
Q:Is there free parking at Dinosaur Ridge?
A:Yes, there’s free parking at Dinosaur Ridge and usually plenty of spaces. You can find parking at multiple locations, including right next to the Main Visitor Center on 16831 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, Colorado. There’s also parking near the Discovery Center on 17681 W. Alameda Parkway, Golden, Colorado.
Q:How long does it take to walk around Dinosaur Ridge?
A:It typically takes between 1-2 hours to walk around the Ridge Trail, which is just over 2 miles (3 kilometers) long. This gives you enough time to stop and read displays, and explore the fossils at a leisurely pace. If you're short on time, opt for a bus or bike tour to speed up your exploration.