Dinosaur Preserves, Tracks, and Fossils
The Colorado region is rich with fossil beds, especially with dinosaur preserves, bones, and tracks, in areas like Dinosaur Ridge, the Royal Gorge Region, Dinosaur National Monument, and Florissant Fossil Beds. If you have a paleontologist enthusiast in your group, visiting one or two of these preserves will make your trip to Colorado much more memorable. Upon review of these locations, you will discover that often they are nearby or on the way to where you are going.
Hotspots for Viewing Dinosaur Preserves, Tracks, and Fossils:
Dinosaur Ridge
The closest outdoor dinosaur preserve is a museum just 20 minutes west of Denver! Dinosaur Ridge is just off of I-70 as you start heading up the pass from Denver, and that's on the way to many places. This location is a paleontologist's top-rated site. You can view more than 250 fossil tracks on Dinosaur Ridge. There are several tour options, such as a guided or a self-guided walking tour. The self-guided walk across Dinosaur Ridge is a fascinating 1.1-mile walk with interpretive signs at key places. Guided public tour buses are available, and a popular way to see Dinosaur Ridge. For the ultimate experience, you can join a small walking tour group with a local geologist.
Dinosaur National Monument - Dinosaur Preserve
This National Monument is more out of the way. It resides in the northwest corner of Colorado and lies between the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers. And what a spectacular place to visit! From Steamboat Springs, it’s about a two-hour, very scenic drive west. This area was inhabited for a long time, going back at least ten thousand years, and is where some of the most well-known fossilized skeletons of dinosaurs have been found. Visiting the Monument will take you back to the Jurassic era. It’s a working dinosaur quarry and is still rich with fossils today. You will see ongoing excavations, and you can join a guided walking tour. There is also an on-site museum with a gift shop.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant is about a 45-minute drive west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. The Florissant Fossil Beds are considered one of the world's richest and most diverse fossil deposits. For example, you can view a 14-foot-wide petrified redwood stump, and thousands of detailed fossils of plants and insects that reveal a very different prehistoric Colorado.
Dinosaur Preserves Scenic Byway
Once you have explored the Florissant Fossil Beds, take Highway 9 south to Canon City or the Royal Gorge Region for more amazing fossils and dinosaur preserves. The drive from Florissant to Canon City is just over an hour, but is incredibly scenic. The Royal Gorge Region is full of recreation opportunities in addition to its rich geological history. While there, check out the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, or consider a scenic train ride through the gorge. You can also go whitewater rafting, take an off-road tour of the area, hike, or mountain bike.
The Royal Gorge Region
This area has several fossil sites, parks, and the Gorge Regional History Museum. This museum has an outstanding collection of dinosaur fossils, bones, and a complete Stegosaurus replica skeleton. Consider driving Skyline Drive, west of Cañon City, which has dinosaur tracks and fossils viewable right from the road, and more via a short walk. There are even more dinosaur preserves in this region. Learn about all the different places in the Royal Gorge Region to view dinosaur preserves.
- Garden Park Fossil Area
- Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site
- Skyline Drive Trackway Site
Exploring Colorado Dinosaur Preserves and Fossil Beds
Colorado never fails to amaze its visitors, and its rich prehistoric fossils, dinosaur preserves, and parks are another natural wonder waiting to be explored. Visiting these various preserves is not only educational but also an exciting way to imagine times gone by. Colorado is one of the few places that offers various ways to enjoy your vacation time. From sightseeing, outdoor opportunities, and educational experiences, such as exploring these fossil beds, all of which are often located near or on your way to another destination. We invite you to explore these special places, gain a new understanding of prehistory, and enrich your Colorado vacation.
by Kathleen Fitzsimmons
