Dinosaur Ridge

4.2 (197 reviews)

Museums, Hiking, Mountain Biking

Open • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Dinosaur Ridge - Museums Near Me - Morrison, Colorado

Dinosaur Ridge - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie - Museums Near Me - Morrison, Colorado

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Nicole N.

My boyfriend and I came here after watching the sun rise at Red Rock Amphitheater! The hike here is A LOT of up but doable. You can also do the bus tour (it looked popular!) there is a gift shop and exhibit area. There are also several picnic tables here if you want to do lunch before the ridge. There is a parking lot or street parking. It was fun to see the Dino prints and Dino bones! You also get a nice view of the valleys and mountains around you at the top! Worth the stop, especially with kiddos! They would find this cool!

John K.

This was a surprise find when in Denver & at first glance, one might think it's one of those cheesy roadside tourist traps. But give it a chance. It's free to hike up the steep trail, which is a nice offer if you're fit & on a super tight budget but I really recommend the shuttle tour for $20, especially if the weather is hot, cold or rainy. Summer '26 was very hot so am glad we took the shuttle. In addition to the air conditioned bus, the driver - "Elaposaurus Ella" was delightful & well informed. There were only 4 guests (including us) so her first attempts to establish the intentionally corny banter feel a bit awkward, but hang in there - it's a really impressive site & you would miss a LOT by doing the self-guided walking tour. Expect to see Dino footprints across an ancient beach now tilted upward about 45 degrees & elevated to Denver's approx. 1-mile above sea level. See ancient fossils still encased in rock. Hold a stegosaurus back plate & learn how the site developed geologically as well as more recently as one of the early fossil sites, etc. And ask for Ella if you can. And a s usual, visit the gift shop for souvenirs.

J Warren R.

Inside the Dinosaur Ridge Discovery or Exhibit Hall is a plethora of exhibits, placards and fossils to demonstrate which dinosaurs have been found in the nearby area. It is just fascinating to imagine what it was like when Dinosaurs ruled the world. Hint: It is not Jurassic Park. The center has done a very good job of explaining what happened when, and which dinosaurs were in Colorado all those millions of years ago. The docents or volunteers are most helpful and will answer all of your questions. My 7 year old grandson loved the exhibit, even though it is somewhat small. Outside he could dig for fossils, primarily sharks teeth and shells or he could unearth (pebbles) some bones. And there are replicas of Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus and others. There is a bus tour available. Honestly, if you are in halfway decent shape, park at the entrance on the road, where the barrier is and walk the 1/2 mile to see the Hadrosaur, duck billed, dinosaur prints.

Austin B.

Naturally exceptional little place to park and go for a walk. They also have an option a little down the road for a driving guided tour but it is very simple to just park and walk if you have the stamina. The area is absolutely beautiful and there are so many signs showing exactly what you were looking at while you're walking the mountain side! I loved being able to see dinosaur tracks and where Colorado actually used to be underwater millions of years ago! My favorite thing was being able to go on a couple little side trails and getting higher than typical if you're walking on the road. Being able to see a few different animals in nature was gorgeous as well and they were very relaxed even coming very close to me on my walk! I love that they also had seating every so often so I could sit down and just relax and admire my view of the area! I hope to one day be back so I can see the Velociraptor tracks again!

Mary C.

Yes, dinosaurs really walked the earth and there's proof!! Dinosaur Ridge is one of the top dino track sites in the US. This is an outdoor tour one you can do free on your own or pay a tour guide drive you to the sites and lay out the facts and history. Dinosaurs aren't just for children. This is a place where anyone could learn something new! It's fun to bring all those imaginary dinosaurs to life by witnessing their prints in person!

Ali C.

Another cool roadside attraction close to Golden and not far from Denver. Good for all ages. Since it was 90° and the walk is mostly uphill. We opted for the $20 per adult shuttle ride that included a fossil guide. Would I normally pay this, no I feel it was worth about $10 a person. They did explain a lot which we would have missed had we gone on our own. Seeing the fossils and learning the history was very interesting. Interesting. The information center is very small but again pretty cool and they do have a couple of guides in there to answer questions as well. We did not go into the gift shop. We were there for about an hour and 15 minutes in total. The bus ride took about 45 minutes. It makes three stops where you get off of the bus and can take pictures and they help you better understand what types of dinosaurs were in the area, why they were in the area, what the area was like millions of years ago. They explain how the fossils and footprints were found, and what they are doing to preserve them.

Craig A.

A great spot for some fresh air and hiking or biking. Car traffic is prohibited, so it's safe. There's a paved road that inclines up for about 3/4 mile, and then down the other side of the mountain towards Red Rocks. Its exit 2 off 470 and there is a dinosaur museum and up the hill you can see dinosaur tracks. I like it for both hiking and road biking - especially when I am training and want to do hill work. As you go up the road near the top, there is a trail to the right. Combining both road and trail is about 1.3 miles each way. Great views.

Savanna B.

My husband and I took our four year-old who is gaga for dinosaurs to Dinosaur Ridge a few weeks ago and had a nice time. Some things to be aware of that will make your trip better: there is no shade go in the morning or on a cloudy day or if you are gonna go on a sunny day wear sunscreen and a hat. If you're gonna do the free hike, there is some parking on the road. That's a little closer to the trail and then you don't have to park in the parking lot which if your kids are as crazy about gift shops as mine you can avoid entirely however if you choose to do this, that's where the bathrooms are so be aware of that. You can pay to do a bus tour of the of the sites. It was a little expensive for us and we like walking so we skipped that there's also a low cost museum that you could check out but again that's by the gift shop so if you're trying to avoid that maybe pass. You can't drive the trail. It's only accessible by walking or by biking and if you are gonna bike, it is pretty steep so it may not be appropriate for kids.

Jillian S.

Thank you Jurassic Jim and Cretaceous Ken for making this trip a blast. We learned so much about Earth's history, dinosaurs, and climate. I was hoping for a new experience and this trip exceeded my expectations; I did not expect to actually hold fossils and bones. Plus we visited on indigenous people's day so we participated in an additional activity on native plants and food. Plan to spend about 2 hours here. I recommend getting the guided bus tour ($18/person). Sit on the left side of the bus (when boarding) for the best views. Alternatively, you can walk the trail on a self guided tour, but it seemed long and hot. The trail does not have a lot of shade and is uphill. Plus our tour guide Cretaceous Ken provided enthusiasm and a wealth of information on the bus and at each stop. The tour is great for all types of learners since you can listen, view the accompanying visuals, and hold/feel the footprints, fossils, rocks, and bones. The last stop on the tour provides beautiful views of the surrounding area including red rocks. Visit the exhibit hall before or after your tour depending on time. It is included with the tour price. Our tour was about 45 min after we arrived so we visited the exhibit hall first. I'm glad we did since we received a private tour and lesson from Jurassic Jim. It is difficult to put into words how awesome he is. He was so welcoming, enthusiastic, and knowledgable. Jim answered all of our questions and entertained us with interesting facts and dinosaur/animal noises. After the tour, we walked through the small gift shop and purchased a few small souvenirs. We also enjoyed watching The prairie dogs in the nearby fenced area. Overall, we had an excellent visit here and recommend this experience to others!

The main footprint attraction displaying several types of footprints from around 100 million years ago

Shalil J.

I used to come here for field trips as a kid and recently revisited this local site with some out of town guests. I was incredibly surprised to see how much has changed at this site for the better. First and foremost, there is a visitor center but we decided to skip it as I personally remember the history of the site and how the prints came about and were uncovered so we didn't feel like the $4/person fee was necessary. There is also a shuttle that can take you up the road and drop you off at each site, but it's a nice walk, and again, we decided to forgo this service. The biggest surprise to us was the fact that more dinosaur footprints were uncovered and on display on the mountain than the last time we were here. One thing that was nice was the fact that the footprints were also darkened which some sort of spray that helped us see and highlighted where the footprints are as before, it could sometimes prove difficult to see where the prints were depending on the sun. That issue is no longer prevalent. One other pleasant surprise was the many new signs and plaques dotted around the overall site. It was even easier to understand what we were looking at and how they were preserved thanks to the new signage. This site is something that is fun for the whole family, and it's amazing to see real dinosaur footprints so well preserved. It's definitely something you can't miss!

Brad W.

Not that exciting a bus tour, but if you go, do the bus tour because walking is hell. The footprints are pretty average and they should highlight them in red or something. This is good for kids and the staff and volunteers are nice. The views of the valley are actually the best part inside the park.

Jim H.

This is the third time I've visited Dinosaur Ridge but it was the first time to visit with my grandkids (under the age of five). The first two times I visited, I was younger and in better shape (and the weather wasn't quite as hot as it was today) and we walked to the top of the ridge. Today, being older (and wiser??) - with the grandkids and a hot afternoon, we only walked about half way to the top. Admission is free for anyone willing to walk up the hill. For "smarter" folks, there is a tour bus (fee) that takes you on a guided tour with a couple of stops on the way up. For walkers, there is also an audio tour that you can download to your phone for $6.00. There are some REALLY GOOD, well preserved dinosaur tracks and a number of signs that explain what you're looking at and the history of the region. The tracks are easy to find and to see. They definitely attacted the interest of my grandkids. As with any site of this nature, there is a visitor's center and the obligatoury gift shop. Outside the gift shop is a "sand box" where kids can dig and try to find dinosaur souvenirs.

David P.

This is a great often overlooked area in Denver. Highly recommend for some prehistoric education and astonishment. This is one of the few place where dinosaur footprints exist, especially on this scale. I also recommend getting the walking or bus tour ($) as I think you miss a good bit without it. Also, it helps fund the preservation. Only takes an hour or two.

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Amanda D.

19 years ago

I have gone an a search for many a velociraptor at this awesome park...a nice place to take a date. If your date likes dinosaurs, like me.

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Colleen M.

7 years ago

This was very interesting. It is amazing how scientists can figure out these imprints are dinosaurs tracks. It is definitely worth a stop. The bus tour is fun, but once you get up the hill take a walk down. There are several areas that the bus doesn't stop. read more

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Bret O.

19 years ago

Fun place. Basically park along side the road and see all the interesting fossils.

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Amanda L.

106

9 years ago

The overall experience was okay. Don't come here expecting to see ALOT. They do have some really neat things (footprints, a few bones) but I had a different idea of what it would be like. It's about a mile trek from one side to the other. There is 1 port-a-let in the middle so make sure you use the bathroom before you go. The gift shop is TINY! I thought being such a big landmark they would have a nice little shop at the end and a restaurant but it was a few picnic tables and a tiny gift shop. Kind of like a side of the road attraction style. Maybe I expected too much but I feel like they should put some work into expanding the actual buildings at the end and the parking lot could hold maybe 10 cars. Next time we will be more prepared but don't go here thinking it's a fun entertaining experience. It's a semi tough for toddler hike on a street uphill and downhill with some neat things to see along the way. read more

Dinosaur Ridge - These were the most visible "attractions" they had. Dino feet prints - Museums Near Me - Morrison, Colorado

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Meredith A.

105

8 years ago

My husband and I brought our 2.5 year old and our 10 year old to see the museum and go on the tour. We found the setup to be extremely disorganized and confusing as there are 2 locations and we weren't clear on where we needed to go. Our toddler loved the dinosaur statues in the parking lot. They would fit right in at a mini golf or Tiny Town. The woman who was selling tickets was extremely abrasive and unpleasant. The other employees couldn't understand why she was behaving so rudely and neither could we. I wonder whether her personality might be better suited to a position that doesn't require dealing with visitors. After encountering her, I was ready to leave and skip the rest of our visit, but we persevered. The museum was tiny and of minimal interest, really nothing more than a shaded place to wait for the tour. Zero stars for the museum and ticket sales, but five stars for the tour with Ritchie. Yes, you can go look at the sites on your own, but having an informative, personable guide made all the difference for us. He put everything into context and made our visit much more interesting. My advice would be to go for the tour and expect nothing of the museum. read more

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Anthony D.

9 years ago

Pay the $8 for the guided tour... Very interesting, dedicated staff, enthusiasm abounds. Highest recommendation.

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Casey C.

9 years ago

This place was truly wonderful! We had a great time! Our geologist tour guide Dino Dan was super nice, informative, and answered any questions asked. I would definitely recommend paying the $8 to do the bus tour, especially with children. It was also great to have the guide be able to teach and explain the history of the region and animals that were once here. On a side note, they do have restrooms and a little stand that sells snacks and drinks. read more

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Juliet N.

Elite 21

269

221

12 years ago

We did a small self-guided hike up the trail to see the dinosaur tracks. We took our small dog for some exercise too. This was a nice experience with information boards along the way explaining some of the geological points of interest. As you can see when you drive up the trail is all uphill, but I didn't find it overly strenuous. It was really neat to see dinosaur footprints and get so close to them. We enjoyed it and will be back. read more

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Kristopher M.

Elite 12

16 years ago

Dinosaurs in Denver! Yea!! This was actually a pleasant surprise of a nice hiking location that was so close to the city. Seeing dino tracks on the hill was fantastic, and I'll admit... I did spend some time digging through some rocks looking for dino shark teeth! We hiked the dirt ridge atop the mountain, and although we didn't finish the full 6 miles... we did about half and it was fantastic. Easy enough for kids and parents. read more

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Hollie M.

10 years ago

What a terrific, inexpensive, incredibly interesting place. Pay the $6/pp to take the bus up. Real, preserved Dino tracks and bones. Came with my parents and toddler and all were interested. read more

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Gabriel R.

11 years ago

I love dinosaur ridge. Great sites, good gift shop and fun people. No complaints! So good for the family and friends. Get out and see where the dinosaurs were, sure its on a road but who cares its awesome read more

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Maiz L.

132

11 years ago

This is a great family experience. Had a tour guide on the bus named TJ. Yeah he was awesome. Its amazing once you know what your looking for. Very good price or even free if you just want to hike the hill. But go on both sides much to see. Bones, tracks and amazing vistas. read more

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Jim D.

7 years ago

The gift shop and small museum were staffed with friendly, knowledgeable people. We took the tour bus and the driver was also friendly and knowledgeable and was able to keep a group of kids interested and excited. He also encouraged questions and comments from the children. read more

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Jason M.

Elite 8

158

14 years ago

After reading some of the other reviews, I guess we did it right. We didn't hit the visitor center, and had a great time hiking the ridge.

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Joseph S.

7 years ago

This was really cool to see in person. Such a unique opportunity for anyone in Denver.

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Yael M.

13 years ago

We came with our 3-1/2 yr and 21 mo olds. We arrived at 9:30 and left at noon. The kids were occupied the whole time with digging in small rocks around bone replicas, finding tiny "fossils" in the sandbox, and the displays in the museum and gift shop. Didn't do the 45min bus tour or the hike, but maybe when they are older. read more

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Natalie B.

10 years ago

It's cheep fun for kids, museum wasn't that cool but for only $2 admission I thought it was totally worth it.

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Robert Y.

10 years ago

The tour was informative and fun. Our tour guide was Rick and he did a fantastic job. I'd definitely recommend to any fan of dinosaurs or geology. read more

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Nicholas L.

13 years ago

A bit of a letdown. The footprints were the best part. Glad we didn't walk the whole way up. We saw the footprints and the few bones on the north part of the ridge. We had a nice walk on a great day and got to see some footprints, still very cool. read more

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Kathleen W.

13 years ago

This is a treasure for fossil and nature lovers. It's worthwhile doing the guided tour the first time so you have an appreciation for what you're seeing -- everything from trace fossils from giant crocodiles slithering out of a river to the footprints of dinosaurs. You an also learn a lot about local geological history. We've returned time and again to climb the ridge on our own, especially taking the scenic hike up and over the hogback. it's also worth going into the museum for their small but interesting exhibit on a Trek through Time. It's only $2 a person and each time we've gone there has been a very knowledgeable staff member there to explain and teach us new things. The scientist docents obviously love what they do and spent a lot of time showing my kids things and answering their questions. There is also a great separate gift shop with interesting fossils and books. Very convenient to Denver -- just off C-470 and Alameda. To make it a full day, you can swing south of Morrison to the Morrison Natural History Museum - another small but interesting museum. read more

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Alexis H.

11 years ago

This place is difficult to find, however, it's well worth the effort. At the main building you can take the $6 van-guided tour or walk the entire roadway. We did both. Wear a hat!! read more

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See W.

10 years ago

It was a fun small thing to do for the day. Got to see some dinosaur prints. Short walk. I think kids would really enjoy it. Stroller friendly area too. read more

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Chris C.

15 years ago

Wow, I guess the above reviewers are all closely related to the project organizers. As a native of the area I have to say to actually close the road here (for this?!) is ridiculous. What a fascinating study on a total hijacking of public resources for a special interest group. I'm all for preservation and safety. Let's put up a better guard rail, eh? This project should be called 'Tyrants-o-saurus Wrecks' Open Space Access. Any group of well-meaning busybodies can change something...more time should have been spent on how to actually improve this. Less is more in this case. I thought they were extinct; but this misadventure proves that the egosaurus is alive and well...and left its tracks all over this. read more

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Raegan M.

11 years ago

We had a blast at Dinosaur Ridge!!! Rock Doc was our tour guide and she did a wonderful job. If you go I would say that you should take the guided tour because you get a lot of information you wouldn't get if you did it by yourself. Another plus was that one of the ladies in the smaller gift shop gave us a dollar off coupon. I would also say use the bathrooms at the smaller area they are nice and clean... in the larger area they are more like potter potties... all in all we loved it and would definitely go back again. www.raeganmirickfoodblog.blogspot.com read more

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Sean W.

11 years ago

This was a great first stop in our exploration of the geology and dinosaurs of the area. We spent a little time in the museum, but the boys loved the sandbox where they could dig for fossils and shark teeth. The bus tour up and around the hill was very informative and kid friendly. The guide was fun, asked a lot of questions, and disseminated a bunch of cool information. The bus did not have seats for all of us, so getting in line and being patient is critical. There were about three stops along the way, so people did not get uncomfortable. This experience got my kids excited and was fun for all. There are Raptors in the museum. read more

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Elliott H.

10 years ago

We visited the area last month and had the pleasure of taking the tour here. Very enjoyable, informative experience. Good for kids and adults. Enjoy! read more

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James S.

10 years ago

A fun easy hike. A little worn with the number of people on it, and the visitors center closes relatively early. I would go back to walk it again. The bike riders got annoying but I am sure they said the same things about the walkers. More than enough room for us to share, so that was nice. read more

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L F.

8 years ago

Interesting place and free. Great place to walk with kids. Dinosaur footprints and bones. Great views. We enjoyed the hour or so of the walk!!! read more

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rachel d.

18 years ago

i love this spot. i think i've read the lil info signs a zillion times so now when i take the visiting friend, mom, dad, etc, i sound reeal smart like. be careful tho, if miz palin gets her way this will just be the "ridge" since she thinks those darn dino's are just a figment of our crazy liberal minds. ;) read more

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Jane K.

158

12 years ago

On the bus the driver was very knowledgable but not for small children and even after awhile I tuned out. Was not fun it was 5 dollars a person even kids. Could have stayed at the gift shop and looked pictures and let the kids dig in the sand pit and spent the 5 bucks in the gift shop read more

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ElizabethAnn B.

Elite 17

102

295

281

14 years ago

great place to hike around and be a little "dorky" and check out fossils. been here a bunch of time before hitting the steps at red rocks.

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Tina T.

10 years ago

Groupon had a great membership deal to Dinosaur Ridge. I bought it and loved my year membership. I take friends with their kids there and the awe in their eyes is apparent. Jogging there is even a great way to see the sites. read more

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Dora D.

134

10 years ago

Easy and interesting walk! The loop is 1.5 miles and there are different trails you can go through. The views are amazing and you find some really cool fossils and dinosaur bones on the way. Plus, it's free! Unless you wanna take a bus tour or go into the mini museum. read more

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Mackenzie E.

11 years ago

The trails off the road were my favorite part. The views of red rocks from the top and the city afar were beautiful.

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Patrick S.

10 years ago

This is a great place to go for an adventure. I have been going to the area for a long time. Once the road was closed off less frequent though. You can spend a several hour nature hike with lunch if you really want to see all of the ridge area. The Dinosaur prints are my favorite though it is really pretty neat knowing you are walking in the area where Dinosaurs once roamed. I have not taken the shuttle though if you have people in your family or group that would be too hard for a hike this is a perfect alternative. I do believe it is a good activity that you can also add to the Morrison/Red Rocks full day event. read more

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Brenda D.

10 years ago

Fun place to visit when you're on a short-time schedule. Easy (hilly) hike up a paved road for those who seek a little exercise, or use their shuttle. read more

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Heather W.

12 years ago

Love this park! It is always fun to go here and take my son on the walk up to see the tracks. He also loves looking for "fossils" in the sand box! read more

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Page 5 of 5

More info about Dinosaur Ridge

16831 W Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465
Directions
(303) 697-3466
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.dinoridge.org

Hours

What time does Dinosaur Ridge open?

Dinosaur Ridge opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Dinosaur Ridge close?

Dinosaur Ridge closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Outdoor Amenities

Does Dinosaur Ridge have bike parking?

Yes, Dinosaur Ridge has bike parking.

Does Dinosaur Ridge have parking?

Yes, Dinosaur Ridge has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Does Dinosaur Ridge have free WiFi?

Yes, Dinosaur Ridge has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Dinosaur Ridge specializes in educating the public about the fossils and other natural resources located at Dinosaur Ridge.

Ask the Community - Dinosaur Ridge

Is there an inside area for older folks to sit and wait while the younger folks go hiking?

There is a museum indoors but not much seating. There are shaded picnic tables outside where you can wait.

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Review Highlights - Dinosaur Ridge

“We loved the bus tour that stopped at 3 or 4 sites and the guide explains and points out other sites while driving.”

Mentioned in 31 reviews

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•$$

Pros: beautiful scenery and good acoustics…read more Cons: Definitely spring for the reserved seats. Which I did. GA sucked. All those people crammed in together. Also hire a valet driver to take you. So convenient. They get to park at upper lot.

Wow, what a fun place to visit. Such a unique concert venue with great views and amazing acoustics…read more I didn't try any of the food, but am in awe of this gorgeous venue.

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Cool clouds

After dark

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Seating

Bear Creek Canyon Park

5.0(2 reviews)

3.1 mi

This is an easy trail that has different offshoots that will take you to the lake or the dam. My…read morefavorite is the trail that starts off on Morrison St. It could go long or a short hike. To the dam or just down the trail to the water. If you're a fan of uphill hikes you can get some shorties here. Just stay left after the trail head and focus on the Little mountain ahead of you to your left. Cyclist are here too. You must be responsible and watch out. Most of them will warn you they're coming but some won't.

Staying three days here the beginning of our six week trip to Colorado. This is definitely a repeat…read morelocation for next year. Terrific bicycle trailsSome of which are paved. Campsites are spacious with 50 amp service no water or sewer. Beautiful vistas right off of interstate 70

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Perfect, quiet spot.

Perfect for a stroll.

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Overview of the campground

Bear Creek Lake Park Marina

4.1(9 reviews)

2.6 mi

Went for a guided moonlight walk. Ranger Grace showed us the Harvest Moon. Explained every step…read moreof our hike Awesome!!!

Great Lake near town to go paddle boarding or kayaking for $10 all day! They have designated…read moreswimming area and lap swim area. Bathrooms are available and there is plenty of parking

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Fun with the family at bear lake!

Bear Creek Lake Park Marina - Such an affordable place to take the family to tent water sports equipmwnt! Paddle boat fits 4 people 20 dollars an hour! Friendly staff

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Such an affordable place to take the family to tent water sports equipmwnt! Paddle boat fits 4 people 20 dollars an hour! Friendly staff

Viajes Colorado

5.0(2 reviews)

7.1 mi

Es dificil a veces saber a donde ir o que llevar cuando tienes ganas de viajar. Viajes Colorado me…read moredio una experiencia magica. No me tuve que preocupar de nada, llevaban ellos equipo, sabian las mejores zonas, tomaron las mejores fotos, me llevaron por excelente comida. Una experiencia relajante y aventurera que 100% recomiendo.

From the owner: Driven by a solution-oriented mindset and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Christian is…read morededicated to doing whatever it takes to help you create the best memories possible, ensuring that your experiences are both special and memorable.

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Mount Morrison South Ridge Trail

4.8(5 reviews)

1.9 mi

Super cool hike that is steep the whole way. Based on my watch, we climbed 2,200 feet in 2 miles…read more The views are amazing from the top and along the way. The way down is harder with slippery steep trail, so not for everyone. By the way dogs and cyclist are not allowed on this trail.

This trail is INSANE. 3.6 miles out-and-back with 2,000+ feet in elevation. There's a fun climbing…read moresection towards the summit, but honestly this is a better hike for the rigor versus the sights. Once you see Red Rocks in the beginning, you're pretty much good. Dogs are technically welcome, but I've seen them have to be carried over rocks, which is quite dangerous. The downhill is precarious too, especially if you have bad knees like me. Trekking poles will help you. Mount Morrison is definitely not for the faint of heart. Next time I'll need to be WAY more mentally prepared. Maybe bring more motiviating snacks. Anyways, plan to do nothing after this hike and give your body the rest it will desperately need.

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One portapotty at trailhead

Matthews/Winters-Dakota Ridge Trail

4.5(11 reviews)

1.2 mi

Great simple hike close to Denver, Golden, Morrison etc…read more You will get bored with it eventually but you can put it into a rotation of other hikes. Great views and easy to get to

This is a great welcome to Denver foothills hike. You've got two options, the high route and the…read morelow route so depending on your time allotment and physical ability you've got choices. The parking lot is a decent size but with the burgeoning number of outdoor enthusiasts moving to Denver it's always full early. Carpool or come early or wait to do an early afternoon. You get great views from an out and back with a loop. For the most part, this trail is accessible all year round. Snow and ice add complexity in the winter but often melt and leave some mud. This is not the place to go to find quiet solitude however. It's close and easy to access so Consequently it's always busy. Lots of eager trail runners, and entry-level Hikers and cyclists definitely add density to the experience. Go. Hike. Run. Bike. Enjoy!!

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Aswathi C.

Elite 26

221

300

2 months ago

Dinosaur Ridge was such a fascinating experience -- and the bus tour made it especially easy to explore with the kids. I would highly recommend the bus tour, and also experiencing this remarkable landmark. The bus tour was actually a great way to experience Dinosaur Ridge, because it takes you between the major fossil sites without needing to hike the entire ridge. The tour includes the Bone Bed, Brontosaur Bulges, and the Dinosaur Tracksite. What makes this place so incredible is that you're not just looking at fossils in a museum; you're seeing them preserved right in the rocks where they were found. The ridge exposes layers of ancient sandstone, mudstone, and other sedimentary rock that tell the story of Colorado millions of years ago. One of the coolest parts was seeing the dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone. About 100 million years ago, this area was near an ancient shoreline, and dinosaurs actually walked across the soft sand and mud. Their footprints were buried by later sediments, hardened over millions of years, and eventually became part of the rock we see today. When the layers were later uplifted and tilted during the formation of the Rocky Mountains, those ancient footprints were literally turned on their side -- which is why we can now stand beside a rock face and look at dinosaur tracks that were once on the ground. The ridge even preserves evidence beyond footprints -- including ripple marks from ancient water and traces of prehistoric waterways. It's amazing to realize that what looks like an ordinary sandstone wall is actually a snapshot of an ecosystem that existed roughly 100 million years ago. And then there's the older Morrison Formation on the other side of the ridge, dating back around 150 million years to the Late Jurassic. Those layers formed from ancient rivers and floodplains and contain fossils of some of the dinosaurs we know so well, including Stegosaurus and the giant long-necked dinosaurs. A place where geology, dinosaurs, and the story of the Rocky Mountains all come together -- definitely one of the most memorable stops in Colorado. read more

Ray H.

17 years ago

Well, I hate to be the bringer of bad news but I am very disappointed in Dinosaur ridge. For years I did love to bring my family and friends to see the dinosaur prints and fossils in the rock. I would just drive up the road and stop the car along side the road and every one would walk over to the fossils and it worked out great. The reason it was so great was because a lot of my family is elderly, and driving them up to the prints was a good and easy way to do it for them. Now the only option is to ride a tour bus up the quarter of a mile of road. Walking from the bottom of the hill is not an option for them and for the people who used to be able to just drive up and around the Hog Back, it is sort of a slap in the face. Now a road that was tax payer funded and built, is now only accessible for healthy people who want to walk up the hill or for active bike riders. Both probably love this new arrangement because it means not having to deal with cars. Remember the Alameda Park Way / Hog back road, was built for a scenic road for every one to enjoy. Not just for some elitists who think that closing the road and charging a fee to take you to see the dinosaur tracks is the only way to preserve them. I am all for saving the tracks and even looking for more but the road never should have been closed because it was built for every one not just a fortunate few. Remember the dinosaur prints might never had been found if it had not been for the taxpayers building that road... read more

Annika H.

7 years ago

If I could give this zero stars I absolutely would. Giant waste of time. Terrible customer service-- miscommunications between Discovery Center and Majn Visitor Center. Save yourself the time and the money. Too bad because the history is great...and somehow they've managed to completely mess up something really special. read more

Amber R.

12 years ago

A great hands-on outdoor museum where the kids can touch dinosaur bones and put their feet in real dinosaur footprints. $6 for the guided bus tour is a great deal! The guides are so knowledgeable and give you a real insight on the fossils and the great dinosaurs that roamed here during the Jurassic and Cretaceous. read more

Emiliano E.

4 years ago

Went there as a school field trip and learned more about my state than dinosaurs themselves. Also they didn't even have fully assembled dinosaur bones there.Lastly they put many restrictions that they didn't do for other people and they just let the little kids run on the roads that bikers ride in. read more

Ilost M.

13 years ago

These bastards closed off, privatized and are exploiting what used to be a free and open to the public area. In the process they also closed an important transit route forcing motorists to drive a long way around. BOYCOTT this selfish and exploitative organization! read more

Brenna K.

8 years ago

If you go, you HAVE to take the tour. It's inexpensive and done by bus (no walking, unless you want to). This is honestly my favorite "kid" activity when school is out! read more

Erin L.

9 years ago

Great outdoor adventure just a short drive from Downtown Dever. They offer guided tours and an indoor exhibit with hands-on materials for kids of all ages. read more

Sara B.

10 years ago

Kept my children busy for the day, safe to say I'm happy for the low price of admission. Kids love dinosaurs. Ha!

Melissa D.

3 years ago

Tourist trap. Took pictures with fake dinosaurs and hike leads you to archeology finds.

Finn R.

11 years ago

Awesome experience! Make sure you get TJ as your guide, he is a legend!

Dinosaur Ridge - museums - Updated October 2026

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The Triceratops Trail is a fun and easy kid friendly hike. Parking is paid, but the fees are…read morenominal. There aren't any bathrooms, so be prepared with your little ones! Id recommend a jogging stroller or a Bjorne or a pack device if your kiddo is too young for a jogger as the trail is too rough for a regular stroller. Also be aware that it isn't a loop trail- when it ends it dumps you onto the golf course! It was cool to see the different fossils, and I imagine I'll end up doing it again with my dinosaur obsessed son.

I thought the entrance was easy to find. There were a few spots to look at the Dino tracks. But…read morethen we kept walking and ended up on an extremely long golf course with no end. There were no signs telling us what it was. A complete waste of time and energy. If you're going, the Dino trail is super short. And in my opinion, not worth it.

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A quick yet beautiful spot! It was quite a busy time for instagrammers we walked through the path…read moreand made the most of the view! I wore my crampons because it was icy and chilly. Gorgeous with the snowy mountains.

Great free park. If you're only in Denver for a short time and want to see mountains and the…read moreplains, this is the spot. Not far off I-70. Some light trails if you want some exercise at 7400 feet. Always a little Cooler up here. I wish they never closed the snack bar/ gift shop. There are bathrooms and a pretty good amount of parking. The buffalo bill museum still exists in its "old form." See it soon before the city/county of Denver (the owner of all this land, despite it being well outside Denver city limits) changes it.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center

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Lovely surprise. Found it trying to get away from the heat. Easy trails. Saw 3 bucks. Attacked to…read morea historic mansion. They were having a celebration of life today and I got there early so parking was fine but the parking lot was completely full by the time I left. I walked the meadow and forest trails for a total of 1.3 miles. Saw three beautiful bucks. The staff was all very nice and helpful and they have great guides on paper and maps and activities for kids.

Visit here at the end of February, and the weather was perfect, not hot or cold. A small parking…read morelot, spacious enough to accommodate a nice amount cars. Nothing much more to do or see but the view of the far away town and hills. It has a small museum at the look out. A nice trail to hike nothing to crazy. We didn't spend much time here at this mountain. We spent more time at Red Rock Theatre. But we did capture some great photos while on the visit. It's was not a far drive to get to the mountain from the gas station we stop at, it was like 10-14 miles away. (it kind of remind me of the parking lot that's at the end of Galveston island, and looking out at the ocean.)

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

4.4

(187 reviews)

This place is a treasure right smack in the middle of the city! It's gorgeous, educational,…read moreworthwhile! And it's FREE!!!! Our whole family loved it. There are places you can get out & walk around but for the wildlife drive you stay in your car. We saw elk, bison, birds, turtles, and prairie dogs!

Fun way to spend a couple hours! From driving around the Arsenal looking for bison and the rest of…read morethe animals, to parking in one of the lots and taking a walk around. My family and I have often visited this area as it's really close to where we live. We've driven family and friends many times, walked around the lakes, and even had family photos taken! Besides all those wonderful things, there's also a cool visitor center. Lots of information, a Bison figure, bathrooms, and a nice Discovery Room for children! Behind the Visitor Center is the Ferret Exhibit! Don't forget to take a stroll outside past the garden to visit the little friends. You can also go inside!

Echo Lake Park

4.8

(17 reviews)

Gorgeous park to take visits or just to take yourself on a nice little walk or hike. I've been here…read morea couple times, both in the summer and winter and really can't say which one is my fave since it just beautiful all around. They have a couple small parking lots but it fills up quickly so per usual with Colorado, the earlier the better. Bathrooms on site as well but I would hold your nose and close your eyes when you go because you don't want to see what's going on there. Yikes. Bonus for having multiple picnic sites where you can plop down and have a snack or meal while taking on the views!

Beautiful park with bathrooms and picnic areas. Also plenty of parking. You can also hike to…read morechicago lakes. Crowded on a weekend but not overbearing.

White Ranch Open Space Park

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Went for a guided moonlight walk. Ranger Grace showed us the Harvest Moon. Explained every step…read moreof our hike Awesome!!!

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Cool views and a quick stop. I wish I got to hike the area, but did not. The parking lot had a…read moredecent amount of spots and the area was easy to navigate.

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11 Dinosaur Ridge reviews that are not currently recommended

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Dinosaur Ridge - museums - Updated October 2026

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