Walking with Giants: Exploring Dinosaur Ridge’s Tracks, Rocks and Red Rocks Neighbors
Trace 150 million years of history on a short, scenic ridge of real dinosaur footprints and fossil beds—perfect for families, hikers and e-bike linkups to Red Rocks.
On a pale-blue morning outside Denver, the ridge itself seems to be leaning forward, a fossilized spine of tilted sandstone cutting across the foothills like an enormous vertebra. You approach on a low road flanked by scrub oak and grasses browned by the sun; the air at roughly 6,000 feet has that clean, slightly thin clarity that makes every breath feel earned. At Dinosaur Ridge the earth shows its homework: sauropod heel prints the size of dinner plates, theropod claw marks slicing a Jurassic mudflat, and the dark ribs of the Dakota Hogback—layers of rock that tell chapters of an ancient Colorado when the shoreline and dinosaurs dictated the landscape.
Trail Wisdom
Start early for the best light
Morning light casts prints and rock layers in high contrast; aim to arrive within two hours of sunrise for photos and cooler temperatures.
Bring sun protection and water
Trails are exposed; carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person and wear sunscreen and a hat.
Combine with Red Rocks on an e-bike ride
Guided e-bike tours commonly run ~21 miles and 3 hours—electric assist makes the climbs accessible and connects both attractions in one outing.
Respect fenced areas and signs
Many tracks are fragile; do not touch or attempt to remove any specimens—viewing platforms are positioned for both safety and preservation.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Auto tour viewpoints where tracks are visible from the roadside
- •Nearby Red Rocks Hall of Fame for a geological and musical contrast
Wildlife
Mule deer, Red-tailed hawk
Conservation Note
Trails are managed to keep visitors on durable surfaces and protect fragile fossils; staying on designated paths helps prevent erosion and fossil damage.
Dinosaur Ridge preserves fossil beds in the Dakota Hogback and Morrison Formation; discoveries in the 20th century helped define the area as a key paleontological site.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflowers, cooler hiking, fewer crowds
Challenges: muddy trails after snowmelt, variable temperatures
Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures—expect some muddy patches early in the season and dress in layers.
summer
Best for: long daylight, linking Red Rocks & Ridge via e-bike, family outings
Challenges: hot sun, afternoon storms, larger crowds
Summer is busiest and sunniest; start early to avoid heat and possible late-afternoon thunderstorms.
fall
Best for: crisp clarity for photos, fewer crowds, comfortable hiking
Challenges: cooler evenings, shorter daylight
Fall is ideal—clear skies, cooler temps and dramatic light make prints and layers stand out.
winter
Best for: quiet trails, crisp, snowy landscapes, off-season solitude
Challenges: ice on exposed rock, limited visitor center hours
Winters are quiet and scenic but bring traction issues—Yaktrax or microspikes help on icy stretches.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Provides traction on packed dirt, small rocks and short stair sections along the ridge.
Sunscreen and wide-brim hatEssential
The trail has limited shade and the Colorado sun is intense at elevation.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)Essential
Staying hydrated is important at altitude and in exposed terrain.
Microspikes or Yaktrax
Useful in winter months for icy patches on rock and compacted snow.
Common Questions
How long is the Dinosaur Ridge trail?
The main interpretive walking trail along the ridge is roughly 1.5–2 miles of easy walking; there is also a short auto loop for a drive-by experience.
Are the dinosaur tracks original or replicas?
The site preserves original fossilized tracks and bones in situ, protected by interpretive shelters and fencing to prevent damage.
Can I visit Dinosaur Ridge and Red Rocks in the same day?
Yes—guided e-bike tours commonly link both sites in a ~21-mile loop (~3 hours), and many private vehicle tours include both as half-day itineraries.
Is there an admission fee or visitor center hours?
Visitor center hours and fees vary seasonally; check the official Dinosaur Ridge website or local tour operator details for current information.
Is the site family-friendly?
Very—kids respond well to the scale of the prints, and the trail is short and accessible for families with school-age children.
Can I touch or take photos of the fossils?
Photography for personal use is allowed, but touching or removing any fossil material is prohibited to protect these irreplaceable resources.
What to Pack
Sturdy hiking shoes (for traction), 1–2 L water (altitude hydration), sunscreen & hat (exposed trail), light layers (temperature swings at elevation)
Did You Know
Dinosaur Ridge preserves nearly 300 dinosaur tracks and important fossil bones in the Dakota Hogback and Morrison Formation, including sauropod and theropod prints visible in situ.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive early to avoid crowds; combine the visit with Red Rocks via e-bike or car; check visitor center hours before you go; bring cash or card for nearby town cafes.
Local Flavor
Morrison and nearby Golden offer classic Colorado small-town food and craft beer—stop for a post-visit burger or a brewery flight to round out a day of geology and outdoor time.
Logistics Snapshot
Know-before-you-go: short interpretive trail (1.5–2 miles), elevation ≈6,000 ft, limited shade, visitor center with exhibits—allow 1–3 hours; family-friendly; combine with Red Rocks on tours.
Sustainability Note
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms to protect fragile fossils; pack out trash, and consider guided tours that support conservation and local stewards.