Dinosaur Ridge is located just west of Denver on a ridge at the base of the foothills. A great time to visit Dinosaur Ridge is during Dinosaur Days where expert geologist are stationed to give explanations of that specific site and to answer any questions a tourist may have. These are held periodically through the spring, summer and fall.
What will we find on Dinosaur
Ridge?
Dinosaur Ridge is a National
Natural Landmark. In 1877 some of the best known dinosaurs were first
discovered here. On the west side of the ridge, representing life 150 million
years ago (Late Jurassic) dinosaur bones were discovered in strata known
as the Morrison Formation. The east side the ridge is Cretaceous in age
and also where we find the dinosaur tracks indicating the type of creatures
that existed during that time.
On the ridge there is
evidence of a seaway that existed during the Cretaceous period leading
us to believe that the climate here was once much different then it is
today. No invertebrate body fossils have been found on the
ridge, yet there is evidence that these animals existed. There are
many questions about the ridge that are not answered, but none as big as
the Geologic puzzle found at one of the stops along the ridge. Dinosaur
bones are scattered in pieces around the sandstone of the Morrison Formation
implying that the bones did not originate here but were transported to
this spot. These are some of the interesting features that will be explored
during the Dinosaur Ridge field trip.
How to visit the sites on Dinosaur Ridge.
Break up into groups of approximately 5 or 6. As you hike up the hill,
stop at each site and read the signs that explain what to look for and
what the significance of that specific area is. Be sure to read these
signs and take notes as you answer the questions on the question
sheet. Discuss the sites among the group and if expert geologist
are present, ask as many questions as you can.
*Some photos taken from A Field Guide to Dinosaur Ridge by Martin Lockley