Discovering dinosaur ridge near red rocks offers an extraordinary journey through prehistoric time just minutes from Colorado’s iconic amphitheatre. The world’s first Stegosaurus fossils, more than 300 dinosaur tracks, and millions of years of geological history preserved in striking red sandstone formations can all be found at this Morrison National Natural Landmark. Dinosaur Ridge near Red Rocks offers fascinating encounters with Colorado’s ancient past that perfectly complement contemporary concert experiences, whether you are a paleontology enthusiast, a family looking for educational adventures, or a visitor hoping to make the most of your time in the Red Rocks area.
At Red Rocks Voyager, we understand that combining multiple Morrison area attractions requires reliable transportation and flexible scheduling. Our professional car service coordinates visits to dinosaur ridge near red rocks with amphitheatre concerts, Morrison dining, and other area activities, creating comprehensive Colorado experiences without parking hassles or navigation stress. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about exploring dinosaur ridge near red rocks.
Understanding Dinosaur Ridge Near Red Rocks
Location and Proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Dinosaur ridge near red rocks sits just east of the famous amphitheatre, located at 16831 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, Colorado. The two attractions share the same geological backbone—the Dakota Hogback—making them natural companions for day trips. From downtown Denver, the drive takes approximately 25-30 minutes via I-70 West, exit 259 toward Morrison. The close proximity means visitors can easily experience both prehistoric fossils and modern concerts during single Colorado visits.
The main visitor center at dinosaur ridge near red rocks provides free parking during open hours (9 AM – 4 PM November-May, 9 AM – 5 PM June-October), with roadside parking available before, during, and after center hours. Concert days at nearby Red Rocks create parking challenges, making early arrival essential or professional transportation services the smarter choice for stress-free access.
National Natural Landmark Designation
In 1973, the National Park Service designated dinosaur ridge near red rocks as a National Natural Landmark, recognizing it as an outstanding example of the nation’s natural heritage. The Colorado Geological Survey further honored the site as a Point of Geological Interest in 2006. These prestigious designations reflect the area’s exceptional scientific value and the importance of preserving these irreplaceable fossils for future generations.
Paleontological Significance and Discoveries
The World’s First Stegosaurus
The most famous discovery at dinosaur ridge near red rocks occurred in 1877 when Arthur Lakes, a clergyman and amateur paleontologist from Golden, found the world’s first Stegosaurus fossils. This groundbreaking discovery, along with simultaneous finds at Como Bluff, Wyoming, launched the “Bone Wars” era of competitive fossil hunting. Yale paleontologist Dr. Othniel Charles Marsh quickly recognized the significance, hiring Lakes as a bone collector and dispatching lead collector Benjamin Franklin Mudge to the Morrison site.
The Stegosaurus discovered at dinosaur ridge near red rocks became Colorado’s official state fossil, cementing this location’s place in paleontological history. The Morrison Formation—the rock layer where Lakes made his discoveries—was named after this very town, highlighting the area’s geological importance to scientific understanding of the Jurassic Period.
Additional Dinosaur Species
Beyond Stegosaurus, dinosaur ridge near red rocks yielded fossils from numerous other dinosaur genera including Allosaurus (a large carnivorous theropod), Apatosaurus (the long-necked herbivore), Diplodocus (another massive sauropod), and Camarasaurus. The diversity of species found here provides comprehensive insights into Jurassic Period ecosystems that existed approximately 150 million years ago when Colorado was a river-crossed plain rather than mountainous terrain.
The #1 Dinosaur Track Site in America
An esteemed panel of paleontologists ranks dinosaur ridge near red rocks as America’s #1 dinosaur track site, featuring over 300 documented tracks and trace fossils. These footprints represent various dinosaur species including Iguanodon-like ornithopods (possibly Eolambia), large sauropods, carnivorous theropods, and bird-like ornithomimids. The tracks also include crocodilian prints and various trace fossils showing ancient burrows and marine plant remnants.
When WPA workers built Alameda Parkway in 1937 to give access to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, they unintentionally found the footprints at Dinosaur Ridge near Red Rocks. As the original tracks deteriorated over time, more tracks were purposefully uncovered in subsequent decades, exposing the vast tracksite that is currently visible. The first Stegosaurus footprints were found in Colorado in 2003, and the first baby Stegosaurus tracks were found in the world in 2006.
Exploring Dinosaur Ridge Near Red Rocks
Self-Guided Walking Trail
The primary way to experience dinosaur ridge near red rocks involves the self-guided walking trail along closed West Alameda Parkway. This paved 1.1-mile route (one-way from gate to gate, approximately 2 miles round-trip) climbs about 700 feet from the main visitor center to the high point along the ridge backbone. Interpretive signs at over 15 locations explain local geology, paleo-ecology, trace fossils, bone fossils, and economic development of coal, oil, and clay.
The walk typically takes 1.5-2 hours at a leisurely pace, allowing time to read signs, examine fossils, and capture photographs. The trail remains accessible from sunrise to sunset year-round, though conditions vary seasonally. Colorado’s sunshine melts snow relatively quickly, ensuring access even after winter storms. For current trail conditions, contact the gift shop at 303-697-3466 x100.
Guided Bus Tours
Dinosaur ridge near red rocks offers 45-60 minute guided bus tours led by knowledgeable docents who provide detailed information impossible to glean from signs alone. These small bus tours make stops at major sites including the Bone Bed (Quarry #5), Brontosaurus Bulges showing the undersides of fossilized footprints, and the extensive Dinosaur Tracksite featuring hundreds of preserved prints. Guests aged 5 and older are welcome on these educational experiences.
Geologist-Led Walking Tours
For the ultimate experience at dinosaur ridge near red rocks, join small group walking tours led by local geologists available certain weekends monthly. These 2-2.5 hour deep dives explore dinosaur tracks, bone fossils, and Colorado’s geological changes across deep time. Expert geologists provide scientific context and answer questions that elevate understanding far beyond self-guided visits.
Exhibit Hall and Discovery Center
The Exhibit Hall near the main visitor center features geological and paleontological displays, fossils, and educational materials about dinosaur ridge near red rocks. The Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center, purchased in 2013, attracts visitors from the millions who attend nearby Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre annually. Children particularly enjoy interactive exhibits including touchable dinosaur bone casts and “trying on” Triceratops horn replicas.
Combining Dinosaur Ridge with Red Rocks Visits
Perfect Pre-Concert Activity
Arriving at dinosaur ridge near red rocks 2-3 hours before Red Rocks concerts creates perfect timing for trail exploration followed by performances. The proximity means minimal travel between attractions, while the educational experience provides engaging pre-show activities for all ages. Many concert-goers discover this combination maximizes their Morrison area visit by incorporating both natural history and live entertainment.
Our transportation services coordinate multi-stop itineraries seamlessly, handling timing between dinosaur ridge near red rocks, amphitheatre arrivals, and any additional Morrison attractions. This professional coordination eliminates the stress of parking lot searches during concert rushes while ensuring you don’t miss opening acts.
Family-Friendly Day Trips
Families visiting dinosaur ridge near red rocks appreciate how the educational outdoor museum engages children while adults enjoy spectacular scenery. The combination of hiking, fossil viewing, and hands-on learning at the Discovery Center creates comprehensive experiences that satisfy diverse interests. Following fossil exploration with Red Rocks concerts—particularly family-friendly shows—creates memorable Colorado days that children remember for years.
Morrison Natural History Museum Connection
Combined Dino Passes
Dinosaur ridge near red rocks partners with Morrison Natural History Museum to offer combined “Dino Passes” providing admission to both attractions. These passes, available for purchase in-person at either location or online when booking museum tours, deliver exceptional value for fossil enthusiasts wanting comprehensive paleontological experiences. The museum, located in downtown Morrison, showcases additional fossils and provides climate-controlled exhibits complementing outdoor dinosaur ridge experiences.
Ongoing Research and New Discoveries
The Morrison Natural History Museum conducts active research at dinosaur ridge near red rocks, rediscovering original Arthur Lakes quarries that remained dormant for over 120 years. Their 21st-century excavations continue yielding discoveries including those first Stegosaurus footprints in 2003 and baby Stegosaurus tracks in 2006, demonstrating that this site still reveals scientific secrets nearly 150 years after initial discoveries.
Practical Visitor Information
Hours and Admission
The outdoor trail at dinosaur ridge near red rocks remains accessible free of charge from sunrise to sunset year-round. The Main Visitor Center operates 9 AM – 4 PM daily November through May, and 9 AM – 5 PM daily June through October. Bus tours and special programs require paid admission, with military discounts available. The site welcomes pets on leashes and maintains ADA accessibility for most areas.
Seasonal Considerations
Dinosaur Ridge near Red Rocks offers distinctive experiences every season. Fall offers breathtaking foliage colors against red rocks, winter produces dramatic snow-dusted scenes, spring offers pleasant temperatures and wildflowers, and summer offers long daylight hours ideal for prolonged exploration. Regardless of the season, Colorado’s consistent sunshine guarantees pleasant visits most days.
What to Bring
Successful visits to dinosaur ridge near red rocks require sturdy walking shoes for the paved but uphill trail, sun protection including hats and sunscreen, and plenty of water for hydration at 5,975-foot elevation. Cameras capture memorable photos of fossils and landscapes, while binoculars enhance wildlife viewing opportunities. The Stegosaurus Snack Shack offers seasonal refreshments, but bringing water ensures constant hydration during Colorado’s dry climate.
Transportation Solutions for Combined Visits
Experiencing both dinosaur ridge near red rocks and the amphitheatre during single trips benefits enormously from professional transportation coordinating timing, parking, and multi-stop logistics. Our airport connection services accommodate visitors flying specifically for Red Rocks concerts who want to maximize Colorado experiences through fossil site visits.
Groups combining educational dinosaur ridge near red rocks tours with concert attendance appreciate how our shuttle services handle gear storage, flexible scheduling, and return transportation regardless of show conclusion times. This comprehensive coordination transforms potentially complicated multi-attraction visits into seamless adventures.
Plan Your Dinosaur Ridge Adventure
Dinosaur ridge near red rocks offers extraordinary paleontological experiences showcasing Colorado’s prehistoric past just minutes from the state’s most famous concert venue. This National Natural Landmark offers unforgettable interactions with fossils that alter our understanding of dinosaur history, whether you are looking for educational family outings, scientific exploration, or just adding special dimensions to Red Rocks visits. Red Rocks Voyager’s expert transportation guarantees stress-free access to both attractions.
Explore our resources about optimal timing, travel strategies, and area activities. Check pricing, review FAQs, and book transportation today. Visit our blog for ongoing Morrison area insights that maximize your Colorado adventures.
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