Dinosaur Ridge

Morrison, Colorado

4.3/5

based on 3 reviews

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Distance

2.86 miles

Elevation Gain

463 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Korey Taylor

Dinosaur Ridge is an easy 2.9-mile hike is along a paved road with 15 stopping points to learn about the Morrison geological history and the dinosaurs who use to roam these lands. You'll see fossilized bones, cross sections of rock, and an area with over 300 fossilized footprints!

The hiking trail starts at the parking lot located across from the Dinosaur Ridge Discovery center (which you should totally go check out!). Once you park you will follow the gated and paved Alameda Parkway towards the ridge. Along the way there will be several sites on the left until you reach the ridge. Once you start heading down the parkway there will be more sites with the third to last will be the large site of over 300 fossilized footprints. Since this is an out and back trail you can head back to the parking lot as soon as you want, but I suggest making it all the way until the end before you do so.

For more information on Dinosaur Ridge and an awesome map of the sites head over to the Dino Ridge site. Dogs welcome on leash!

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Hiking

Dog Friendly

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ADA Accessible

Dinosaur Ridge Reviews

Nikki Romaglia

Explorer

Dinosaur Ridge

09/01/25

Awesome excursion for visitors young and old. We did the bus tour. Took about 45 mins and was great to learn all about the fossils and dinosaurs that lived in the area millions of years ago.

5.0

Explorer

Johnathan .

Explorer

Dinosaur Ridge

04/12/17

This is a nice, short little hike that's great for out of town visitors. You get a great view of Red Rocks on the west side, as well as a great panorama of the hogbacks on the east side. If you park at the trailhead on the C-470 side, be on the look out for a side trail on the right hand side right before you get to the top. This trail will take you onto the Dakota Ridge Trail which will actually take you on top of the hogback. Even better views if you do this trail!

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Dinosaur Ridge

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Dinosaur Ridge Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Village Walk, Red Rocks & Cherry Gulch Trail

Morrison Slide Trail

Red Rocks & Dakota Ridge Loop Trail

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail

Radio Tower Overlook via Hayden Trailhead

Green Mountain Trail Loop

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