Dinosaur Ridge in Golden
As students of the Colorado School of Mines in Golden know, Golden has some of the best rock around. Geologists and paleontologists have been flocking to the hills around Golden for years in search of rocks and dinosaurs! In 1877, Arthur Lakes discovered a group of dinosaur fossils which started a huge interest in the area now know as Dinosaur Ridge. In 2012, Dinosaur Ridge is still home to many of the original fossils discovered at the site and is host to a number of tracks where people can discover more about the great dinosaurs that once roamed the Golden hills.
Located off of West Alameda Parkway, Dinosaur Ridge in Golden is an experience for the whole family. The indoor exhibit hall has information about the dinosaurs found in the area, what Golden looked like years ago, and more! Next, head out to the Dinosaur Ridge Trail. The Dinosaur Ridge Trail has 15 sites that include a series of over 300 dinosaur tracks, the beautiful geology of the Hogback, and the bone quarry. The bone quarry is the original site of Dinosaur Ridge in Golden and was where the world was introduced to the first stegosaurus. Visitors can actually touch the fossils as they are embedded in the rock which makes for an amazing experience!
Then, turn your feet toward the Triceratops Trail. Located off of 6th Ave and 19th St in Golden, this mile and a half hiking trail highlights a second set of dinosaur tracks that differ from those found on the Dinosaur Ridge Trail. These sets include tracks from Triceratops, which were the first of these tracks in the world. Also found are mammals, invertebrate, birds, and other dinosaurs which are around 68 million years old. Plant fossils were also found and gave paleontologists an idea of the swamp-like conditions of the Golden area millions of years ago.
Dinosaur Ridge has tours, a gift shop, events, rentals, and more interactive exhibits! Dinosaur Ridge also has volunteer opportunities available for your dinosaur fans. Take a walk in the footsteps of some of the largest and most majestic residents of long ago Golden. Visit Dinosaur Ridge today!
16831 W. Alameda Parkway, Golden 303.697.3466
Dinosaur Ridge in Golden
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