Dinosaur Ridge facts for kids

This picture shows the layers of rock at Dinosaur Ridge.

Look closely! These are real dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Ridge.

Dinosaur Ridge is an amazing place near Denver, Colorado. It's famous for its incredible dinosaur fossils and footprints. Imagine walking where dinosaurs once roamed millions of years ago!

This special area is part of the Morrison Formation. In 1877, some of the most famous dinosaurs were discovered here. These included huge plant-eaters like Apatosaurus and Diplodocus, the armored Stegosaurus, and the fierce meat-eater Allosaurus.

In 1973, Dinosaur Ridge was named the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. This was because it's so unique and important for history and science. Later, in 1989, a group called the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge started. They help protect the site and teach people about its amazing natural treasures.

Discovering Dinosaurs

Bones from the Jurassic Period

The rocks on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge are very old. They are from the Jurassic Period, which was about 150 million years ago. These rocks are part of the widespread Morrison Formation.

In 1877, a scientist named Arthur Lakes found dinosaur bones in these rocks. After his discovery, fifteen different quarries (places where rocks are dug out) were opened nearby. People searched for more fossils along the Dakota hogback in the Morrison area.

Footprints from the Cretaceous Period

The rocks on the east side of Dinosaur Ridge are a bit younger. They are from the Cretaceous Period, which was about 100 million years ago. These rocks are part of the Dakota Formation.

In 1937, workers were building Alameda Parkway to get to Red Rocks Park. They found hundreds of dinosaur footprints! Most of these tracks looked like they were made by Iguanodon-like dinosaurs. You can also see footprints from meat-eating dinosaurs called theropods.

What You Can See and Learn

Dinosaur Ridge has a special place called the Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall. Inside, you can see displays about the dinosaurs found right there.

As you explore Dinosaur Ridge, you'll find signs along the trails. These signs explain many cool things:

• The local geology (how the rocks were formed).
• A layer of volcanic ash.
• Trace fossils (like footprints and burrows, not bones).
• Paleo-ecology (how ancient plants and animals lived together).
• How coal, oil, and clay were used by people.
• Many other interesting facts about the Earth and ancient life.

More Cool Pictures

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  You can walk or bike on Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado. A tour bus is also available if you prefer not to walk.

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  Dinosaur Tracks at Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark, Colorado.

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  Cinquefoil (Potentilla diversifolia) growing along Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark, Colorado.