DINOSAURS PEOPLE. THERE ARE DINOSAURS HERE. Or at least dead ones. I was thrilled to come to Dinosaur Ridge, the place where the Stegosaurus was first discovered. I'll preface my review by saying it isn't a large museum or impressive Smithsonian-style experience. Quite the opposite in fact - the whole place consists of a very small hut containing a very small children's room ($2 a person) and a gift shop that sells stuffed dinos, rocks, and VHS tapes. There are also models outside of dinosaurs painted in red, white, and blue and other bright colors. Very little kid friendly. But that's not the main attraction here. For $5 a person, you can take an old rickety minibus up the mountain to see dinosaur tracks and bones still in the rock. This was especially cool - our tour guide was a University student well-versed in the bones/tracks on display, and we were even able to touch them. Very cool. If you have children or an interest in Dinosaurs, it's worth the drive and the measly $2-7 a person to see all of this stuff up close. read more

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Came here on a Saturday afternoon in October. Weather was perfect. The dinosaur prints were pretty cool. The "hike" took about an hour and was on a regular road so not too strenuous. read more

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The coolest thing about this place is probably the fake dinosaurs at the entrance. The bathroom is a port-a-potty. There is no clean drinking water there so bring your own or buy it from their gift shop for $1.08. Their little museum thing is dark and covered in flies and costs $2. It also smells like horse poo. The dinosaur trail is actually just a road you walk on. read more

They say birds evolved from Dinosaurs 66 millions years ago when they went extinct. It costs $5 to take the guided tour bus up the hill to check out some fossils. It gets windy so pack a jacket. You can also park your car and walk up for free. They have bunch of events for kids posted on their calendar. Leave your human footprints here so in another 66 millions years, this place will be renamed Homosapien Ridge. read more

This place rules. I've been a freak about dinosaurs since I was 5 years old (I'm 22 now). I'd been reading about this place my whole life. It was surreal to see it with my own eyes. read more

Lots of inexpensive to free family fun. You don't pay an admission price, you don't have to pay to take the shuttle up the hill. We spent a few hours searching through rocks and walking the trails. Found some really neat fossils and taught the kids why you can't take everything with you. California kids didn't quite get that you don't take anything with you from the parks except memories and your own trash. Now... they get it. A little boy walked past something they had found and found it as well and was so excited he found a fossil rock. That is a story they told a few times through out the day. read more

The hike up the ridge is tough but beautiful. I can't believe this is in Lakewood. Bring good shoes, water & a bag to pack out your trash. ;.) read more

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This place is really cool! My friends in Denver took me to explore the dinosaur fossils here and it was a lot of fun. We didn't take any of the shuttle buses but instead walked up the trail which looks steep but is actually pretty easy. We had a baby with us in a stroller, too, although I didn't have to do the pushing so maybe it would have been a little more difficult of a walk for the stroller pusher. There are lots of great geological artifacts to explore and the signage is just informative enough without going into so much detail that you zone out. I was able to see ancient preserved footprints and ripples from the old sea bed that used to be there. There were also dinosaur fossils in situ in the side of the hill that you can touch. Amazing site! And if you like to geocache, there are many traditional and earth caches to choose from. However, beware of the rattlesnakes. We came across a rattler while replacing a geocache at the foot of a tree and it rattled several times before we knew what was making the noise and we skeedaddled when we saw the snake coiled up at the base of the tree. read more

A perfect destination for grade school aged children. You can see dinosaur tracks and learn about the history of the area. The museum is tailored for young children and there is a small bus to transport visitors to the tracks. Older children or adults may enjoy walking to the tracks. read more

There are 2 places, the museum & The Discovery Center at Entrance 1 of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Both have the pressed penny machines. Women running the front desk at both locations were very friendly. If the kids were in tow, would have done the fossil tour. Very small parking lot. Got lucky since I was there on a Tuesday morning & had the place to myself. Really cool artifacts & dinosaur bone fossils. read more

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Everyone who works there is so helpful! We started at the visitors center but (due to some misconceptions), we wanted to start at the discovery center - the staff was super helpful, provided use with a map, and answered all of our questions. When we made it to the discovery center the woman working was very knowledgeable and a delight! One note, based on some other reviews and what people had told us, we thought it was not possible to finish the whole walk in a quick amount of time. With this in mind, we definitely wanted to see the stegosaurus excavation site so we started by the discovery center. In actuality, it is very doable to walk the entire path and see all of the sites in 1 walking trip. Beautiful views and awesome bones! read more

Dinosaur Ridge - Museums Near Me - Morrison, Colorado

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We took the bus tour today and had the loveliest tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and answered all of my weird questions. The man in the Exhibit Hall was also wonderful. I couldn't tear myself away from listening to him but my husband was waiting outside. One final note: Dinosaur Ridge needs money. They were just about to launch a big fundraiser to protect the Apatosaur tracks when COVID hit. Please consider helping. We did. read more

Like dinosaurs? Not sure? You will after visiting Dinosaur Ridge! Fun for adults and kids. If you have kids under 12, we would recommend taking the shuttle tour. Led my a PhD student who knew her stuff and she was great with kids and questions. Fascinating information, stories and fossils! See the visitor center after the tour where if you are lucky you can get one on one time with a tour guide who can share some more dino information. It's a hands on experience and great for all ages read more

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This place is awesome! I grew up watching the Jurassic Park movies and dreaming of being a paleontologist so my dreams were brought to life at Dino Ridge. The main Dinosaur Ridge trail is about 1.5-2 miles total and takes a few hours depending on how fast you're moving and how long you stay at the stops (we took 2.5 hours and spent a lot of time at all the sights). It loops around the ridge and is uphill on one side and downhill on the other. It is entirely paved, so if you're used to Colorado trails this is a pretty easy walk. However, I would recommend avoiding the heat of midday as the trail is completely exposed to the sun and it gets toasty. There are also other trails including some that are more difficult. We only did the Dino Ridge trail because it was 95 degrees and my pale skin doesn't mix well with the summer sun, but we will definitely be back to check out the others! Along the main trail, there are several sights. You park down at the main visitor center. It has a small gift shop, a snack bar, and some fossils and other information. You begin your hike uphill and can see lots of cool artifacts along the way, including the main section where the prominent tracks are. Once you get to the top of the hill, you have a really nice view and begin your way down the other side. This side has lots of fossils as well as a really awesome view of Red Rocks Amphitheater (not being a Colorado native, I had legitimately no idea Red Rocks was there - nice surprise!). At the bottom of the hill is a Discovery Center with lots of interactive things, mostly for kids. There are more fossils for the adults to see, but there is also a play area, a small gift shop, and (thank the lord) bathrooms, air conditioning, and water fountains inside. After checking out the discovery center, you make your way back around the loop and your trek is done! Overall, this is a really cool place if you're into nature/fossils and the sort. If I had children, I would definitely enjoy bringing them here to teach them about the dinosaurs. I know that when I was a little dinosaur lover, this place would have blown my mind. It's a great family destination because there is lots of learning to be had for everyone PLUS it's not too tough of a walk for anyone in the family. And, admission is free if you're walking the trail. Another option is to use the shuttle to go around the loop - it's $8 per person and free for toddlers, and it stops at the major points. If you're not feeling the heat or the exercise, this is a quick way to see it all. In general, we loved it and will definitely be back! 10/10 would recommend for a quick day trip, especially for families and dinosaur fans! read more

Dinosaur Ridge - The main map of the Dinosaur Ridge Trail. They'll offer you a copy of this if you go to the visitor center when you park! - Museums Near Me - Morrison, Colorado

My inner nerd wanted to love this park, but it's really just a tourist trap to me. Sure it was cool to see the dino footprints but the rest left much to be desired. Unless you are with someone under 10 years old...skip this one. read more

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Ken was very informative, fun, and so great with the kids. He explained things really well about the dinosaur tracks and sediment formation. He was a delight and so wonderful to go on a tour with. Jim was also very informative, energetic, and was having a blast with the kids acting out as the dinosaurs do. He was very charismatic, full of energy, and so polite to everyone that arrived. The kids loved it, the parents loved it, and it is worth while to make a trip out here! They even have a gift shop with some neat rocks and fossils too! read more

Super unorganized. Arrived early for the 11 am tour. Hung around the parking lot looking at the banged up dinosaur statues. When the shuttle arrived we were told the tour was actually at 1115. Crowd full of active little kids dispersed to the sandpit. Returned to loading area at 1115 to be told that all kids had to sit on laps (even though their admission was full price) and there was only standing room left for our party of 3 adults and 1 toddler - no thanks! Next shuttle was not for another half an hour. No apologies or explanation. The girl at the counter says when asked why they oversold the shuttle without explanation "that's not how it works" helpful! Clearer explanation of the procedures would be helpful with little kids. Shouldn't feel like you have to bumrush the shuttle to get a seat on a Saturday morning. read more

I would have given 4-5 stars because we did enjoy the bus tour, gift shop and the Exhibit room. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. My 4 year old niece was enthralled with the dinosaur figures and the tracks. The reason I gave 2 stars is the restrooms. They were the most disgusting ones I've ever seen. It looks like they have Never been cleaned. They smelled so bad we couldn't stand to be in there at all. So disappointing! read more

This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous here in Denver, so James F and I wanted to take advantage of the lovely weather by getting some fresh air and a hike! Our initial hike, Mount Galbraith outside of Golden, was thwarted due to snow and ice along the trail. Without the proper boots and crampons, it was a bit too dangerous to attempt. So we decided to go check out Dinosaur Ridge, hoping for a little less snow. As we rolled into the visitor's center parking lot, we were greeted by a few life size dinosaurs! I love stuff like this, so it made me grin ear to ear. We were a bit antsy to get out on the trial, so we skipped the visitor's center. The first part of the trail is along a closed-to-thru-traffic road, so the slow incline is rather easy. Along the way, you can view prehistoric history in the stones: ripples that formed along the ancient ocean floor, small fossils of shells and clams, and even many dinosaur tracks. It's pretty cool and quite educational. We continued along the Dakota Ridge Trail, which snakes its way along the top of the ridge. The trail is fairly easy, but gets your blood pumping! The views from the top are beautiful: the plains to the east and Red Rocks to the west. Because we tackled this trail during winter, the path was very muddy in some areas. By the time we got to the end, our boots had an entire extra layer of mud and straw caked on. It was pretty great, actually. If you're looking for a fun and easy outing close to home, definitely check out Dinosaur Ridge. Educational with a great hike! read more

Dinosaur tracks? Real ones, BIG ONES! Yes please! This little ridge, that you can hike with your kids in about an hour, is rich with history, loaded with DINOSAUR bones and footprints, is also very scenic! Back in the late 1800's, this site was famous for being the #1 original dinosaur discovery that brought all the famous paleontologists from the East Coast out to begin the great dinosaur hunt- This is the site where Brontosaurus (he's back!), Stegosaurus (among others) was discovered! Imposed on an exposed and tilted rock face (viewable from c-470), footprints of dinosaur herds moving along a beach are preserved! Not only that, but there is a mamma/baby set, a predator set, and some carrion footprints- allowing quite the drama to be unravelled- Yes, it's 80 million years old, but we can clearly see a story here! Around the corner form the dino prints, there are bones and massive impressions of Gigantic footprints (called brontosaurus bulges) that can bee seen. This is a cool, quick outdoor trip from Denver, you can cover it in 1 hour, then head up to Red Rocks, then down to the Morrison Inn for margs (or to Blue cow for brunch!)- Don't miss it! read more

Admission is free. You can drive, park, and get out at several stops along the way or walk the whole thing on a self-guided tour. There are interpretative signs or you can get a nice map at the Dinosaur Ridge visitor center for $1.50. It's fun to stop by the visitor center and the curator is really nice. read more

Dinosaur Ridge - Dinosaur track - Museums Near Me - Morrison, Colorado

Went here today, looking for Free Things to do while my sister /nephew/and friend were visiting - in the Golden Area.... Pretty easy to find, took us about 35 minutes from just south of Denver. A few dinosaurs greet you as you come in - we are told that they are to scale... some easy photo ops. Inside is a neat little gift shop with your fossils to boot.. You can walk the ridge for free, or take the shuttle bus around the ridge for $4 per person. I Strongly suggest the bus unless you are in a desparate need for a cardio work out. Our guide... Dan- o saurus... was GREAT. Awesome, engaging energy and very knowledgeable. I found many things to be interesting and new for me. My nephew -- who is 6 -- liked it, but did end up bored at some stops asking "can we go to the car?"... other than that.. pretty good. The crew with me liked it... so this was a worthwhile trip. The bus ride is no more than about an hour... and there are so many things to do in the area, i would plan on stopping by... read more

i did not see a single dinosaur :( i was really excited to see the dinosaurs but i couldn't find them. they are either very sneaky or you lied read more

We decided to check this out since it is fairly close to where we're staying. Definitely a great place to take your kids, or just go for a nice non-strenuous walk. The road is slightly sloped, but not enough to be hard on the legs, and there are informative signs at intervals along the road to provide a good excuse to stop for a breather. The road is completely closed to vehicle traffic, so the problem mentioned by another reviewer below of worrying about being hit by a car is no longer an issue. read more

Super nice family hike. Staff all amazing and friendly. Only thing the person who recommended missed to add was that it's uphill hike.

Yes it's cool, especially the place is free to visit and open to all. So I'm still holding a little grudge towards the fact that I had purchased a groupon for a membership, which gets you on the bus for free, but guess what? We could never get on the bus! It was always full and/or our party of 4 was too much to all get on at the same time!?! So we hiked and it was fun. But really, it's one of those places that you go once and have no need to return for 20 years. We also checked out their gift shop, items are decently priced so we enjoyed that part of the experience very much. read more

Love this place. A must-see for out-of-state visitors. Last time I was there, a booth with creationists expounding their viewpoints was positioned near the beginning of the walk. Why must something like this be here? Whatever one's beliefs are, this is science, people! This is the earth's history, and I want to enjoy it and learn about it without someone trying to foist their views on me as I enter. If you haven't been here, do make it a point to go. You can learn a lot about the earth here. read more

Dang I did not think to Yelp this before! While I've never been to the museum at the base down by 470, I've been walking the ridge with my (and guests) dog almost every weekend for two years. It's a good somewhat strenuous 45 minute round trip at a fast pace. In winter, it's usually plowed and walkable soon after a snow which is really great. Views of Red Rocks on the west side and south Denver on the east. Some more serious trails there also of course. Always a friendly crowd of bikers, families, dog walkers and school and other groups doing the bus tour with the museum docents. Pop down the road afterwards and relax at the Holiday Bar in Morrison. Dog friendly patio! Life is good here. read more

Fun for the family! The hike is 1.5 miles and up hill for a chunk of it so beware with younger kids that they may ask for a piggyback ride. The fossils and tracks were cool to see and plenty of options to get up close. Don't expect much of a museum though, this really is mainly a walking tour outside. They do have a bus tour that leaves hourly as well. read more

Well I really do like this place a lot, but I kind of wish the tour was longer, but hey for being only $4 per person for them shuttle tour you really can't beat that. Out tour guide was very informative and she was really thorough in answering questions everyone asked her. The footprints and bone sites were amazing and I've not seen anything like it even in a Dino museum I went to in WA. I would def. Recommend taking a tour on the shuttle and then maybe get off at the top and walk down. It is a steep hill, but the view is beautiful. I mean the exercise is perfect if you like and can stand the heat. I really am. Looking forward to going back soon. read more

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This place is awesome. Where else can you see real dinosaur footprints along the side of the road? Unfortunately, that road has been closed to traffic, so you either need to walk/bike (uphill) or take a guided van tour from the visitor center. If you choose to walk, stop by the visitor center for a map. It closes pretty early though, so keep that in mind. We were only able to walk a little ways since it was getting dark, but the whole thing seemed doable. Glad we checked this out while in CO. read more

Dinosaur Ridge - Museums Near Me - Morrison, Colorado

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We meant to go to the Green Mountain, but kept missing the parking lots, so we ended up in this place. What a great mistake we made! I got educated about dinosaurs, geology, and had a fantastic walk. The view at the top is great. The highway is a little noisy but that's the only down side of this trial. It's great for biking and hiking. read more

Yes this place was quite difficult to find but it's because the map leads you to the trail you have to go around the mountain to get to the bus tour location but when you find it it's not a bad way to spend your time. You can walk this trail for free or pay the $6.00 for the bus tour which takes you to all the stops and is much more informative than if you did it on your own. On the tour you'll get to see parts of dinosaur bones and tracks and the impressions of waves in the rocks since that whole part was once covered in water really educational and fun the tour isn't very long. read more

I recently took an out of town friend and her dinosaur-loving 4 year old here. I'd never been before so I was looking forward to it. You have the option of walking up the road or taking a $3.00 shuttle bus. Since it was way too hot to walk we opted for the bus. Unfortunately the shuttle had no air conditioning and the windows only opened yay far. The driver/guide warned the group that he would squeeze as many people on as he could and he wasn't lying. It was an uncomfortable sweaty ride. Another shuttle passed us that had tinted, closed windows. I'm guessing that shuttle had ac. Other than that, it was an informative, visual trip and enjoyable. My friend is teacher and was lovin' the tour. Her daughter seemed to enjoy as well-especially climbing up the rocks. Dinosaurs rule! read more

We hadn't been here in about a year, so be advised that the road (for cars) has now been closed. You have to walk up a bit but certainly doable even on a hot days with kids. Dinosaur tracks are quite interesting. You can take a van up if required (happily, it's electric and low emissions) read more

Interesting and very hands on fossil tour. Reasonably priced. Allow 90 minutes with the $4 bus tour. TJ is a great guide. They don't allow private cars on the road any longer, but the bus ride is definitely worth it. read more

This was such a fun and useful stop for my homeschooling boys! Dino Dan was the best tour guide for them - he has a background in geology so he was enthusiastic about adding that info to the tour. The tour took about 45 minutes which was a perfect amount of time for my broad range of aged children - anything much longer and you'd lose my 2-4yo's. They were able to dig in the sand for some various treasures (clay molds of shark teeth or shells), touch the various bones peeking out of the hillside, and even get a little muddy since we came on a misty day. Well worth the cost of admission and short drive from north of Denver. read more

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My wife is sort of a dinosaur nerd and wanted to check out Dinosaur Ridge during our last trip to Denver. I went along only because she promised that I could music nerd it up at Red Rocks Amphitheater. I was quite underwhelmed with Dinosaur Ridge. It is pretty much just a road that has been closed off so people can hike up and see some dinosaur tracks that are pressed into a rock wall. To help entertain you during your little stroll to the tracks, there are some informational signs that have been placed along the road. The only saving grace, in my opinion, is that the area around the tracks is a beautiful place to hike and enjoy being out in nature. read more

The hubs and I are being tourists in our own city. Dinosaur ridge is a mere fifteen minutes from our home. We did the bus tour which I would highly recommend over walking for free. Not that we are lazy but rather you get a far more intimate experience explaining what you are seeing. It is absolutely fascinating and wonderful to be able to get answers to your questions and seeing the area come to life. read more

I would've given this place a better review if it weren't aimed at quite such a young audience and they had a better setup. TOTALLY worth seeing the tracks! They're AMAZING! Just don't expect much out of the rest of the experience if you're older than 12. Especially if you have more than a cursory knowledge of paleontology. read more