Dinosaur Ridge Science Day Camp

Dinosaur Ridge was a really neat stop and something different from the usual attractions. Seeing actual dinosaur tracks and fossils in the rock was pretty amazing, especially knowing they’ve been there for millions of years. The walking trail was easy to follow, and there were plenty of signs explaining what you were looking at. It was interesting for both adults and kids, and we learned a lot while exploring. The views from the ridge were also beautiful. If you’re in the area and enjoy history, science, or just unique places, Dinosaur Ridge is definitely worth checking out.

Great little hike with a few different dinosaur related attractions. I'm from Florida so it was a challenging height for us. Small steps and big breaths was my nantra and it worked. A few beautiful overlooks, some looking toward Red Rocks and some looking at downtown Denver. It's free to walk so make sure you go to the gift shop and buy something or at least give them a donation. They are a non-profit so they count on that.

After picking up a short info sheet and map from the visitor center, you can park at the side of the road where the trail begins and start walking. You can also explore by bike if you like. Along the way, you can see dinosaur footprints, sand ripple marks and fossil remains. The scenery is truly amazing; at every step, you can feel the traces of nature and history. Witnessing 100 million years of history and seeing the marks of these giant creatures is an experience beyond words. During the walk, you can take photos, enjoy the quiet and discover the fascinating details nature has to offer.

The tracks are not of large footed dinosaurs as I had hoped yet the only dinosaur tracks I have ever seen and there were plenty. We took the short hike option but there are bus tours for $20 that are filled with more information and visit more sites than I was willing to walk to up the grade.

Dino and geology nerds: book the bus tour — it's awesome. Our bus included everyone from dinosaur super-fans to people just looking for an afternoon activity, plus a few very enthusiastic junior paleontologists who were determined to answer every question before the guide could. 😀 Thankfully, our guide, Ella, was amazing: knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely fun. She managed to keep the whole group engaged while sharing tons of fascinating dinosaur and geology facts. The air-conditioned bus was a huge bonus, and we learned far more than we ever would have by walking the ridge on our own. Highly recommend if you want the stories and science behind what you're seeing.