Long before the miners, original Native American residents, and Spanish explorers, Colorado was inhabited by dinosaurs, as evidenced by the many fossils and prints found all around the state! To get a glimpse at this fascinating, pre-historic history for yourself, we recommend taking a day or 2 to explore these incredible dinosaur trails and quarries right here in Colorado:
Located in western Colorado are the Mygatt-Moore Quarry and its surrounding dinosaur trails and museums!
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Co-managed by the Museums of Western Colorado and the Bureau of Land Management, your dinosaur journey begins at the Quarry, where Camarasaurus and Diplodocus skeletons have not only been found but can still be observed within the rocks and chalk.
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Keep your eyes peeled when you go, as there may be workers present during your visit who will not only demonstrate how they dig and uncover bones but answer any questions you may have.
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In addition to the Mygatt-Moore Quarry, visitors can also explore the Dinosaur Hill or Riggs Hill Trails, which are family-friendly, easy to follow, and contain tracks and fossils.
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Please note: If you come upon a fossil, please leave it where you found it, as the area is protected under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) of 2009.
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Depending on when you visit, you may be able to join in on an actual dig, as the Museums of Western Colorado hosts an annual Dino Dig and other special events.
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No visit to these trails and quarries is complete without checking out the Dinosaur Journey Museum, one of Colorado’s best dinosaur museums that features everything from lifesize animatronics to hands-on exhibits and an informative exhibition hall.
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To learn more about all of these dinosaur adventures, please visit the Museums of Western Colorado’s website.
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For even more of our favorite prehistoric attractions, check out These 10 Incredible Sites In Colorado Transport You Back To The Days Of The Dinosaurs.
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Address: Museum of the West, Museums of Western Colorado, 462 Ute Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501, USA
