Do you have a child who can give you details about what seems like every dinosaur that ever lived — a Mesozoic genius in jammies? Or was that you so many decades ago?
Maybe it secretly still is.
In your RV, you and the kids can rediscover that wonder in real sand and stone. Let’s continue on in Colorado, where the largest dinosaur tracksites in the world are there to wander and wonder.
Dinosaur Hill
This is a mildly strenuous hike, but it’s definitely worth it. Start with the overlook which provides panoramic views of the Grand Valley and the Colorado River. There are picnic sites and a large parking area for RVs. Signs along the trail show what fossils have been found there including the 1901 Brontosaurus/Apatosaurus (we’re not touching that controversy).
You can learn how dinosaur fossils are recovered. On your wanderings, you can view the quarry site and bone reproductions during your visit.
Most of this one-mile trail has been designed to include opportunities for hikers with visual impairments through tactile signs and a guide system.
To find RV campsites and parks, check with the Grand Junction Visitor’s guide here.
Dinosaur Ridge
Some of the most easily accessible and dynamic dinosaur tracks in North America can be found just outside of Denver in Morrison, CO. Dinosaur Ridge has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service and is located in the beautiful red rocks about ten miles west of Denver
Morrison is the town where Stegosaurus was first discovered in 1877 and also the namesake of the famous Morrison Formation, the particular layer of rock that was laid down in the western United States during the late Jurassic period roughly 150 million years ago. The formation has yielded a tremendous amount of dinosaur fossils, including species such as Allosaurus, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, Camarasaurus, Brachiosaurus, and many more.
This park can be viewed in so many ways:
• Guided Bus Tours
• Self-Guided Walk
• Tour the Exhibit Hall
• Walk with a Geologist
• Guided Walking Tours
For the ultimate Dino experience, go for the Morrison Dino Pass. This includes the Guided Dinosaur Ridge Bus Tour and Exhibit Hall, plus a pass to the Morrison Natural History Museum.
Dino Ridge is Available from sun up to sun down. Parking is free at the Main Visitor Center during open hours, and roadside before, during, and after center hours. You’ll want to take advantage of every minute!
For places to cam in the Denver area, check out https://www.denver.org/places-to-stay/by-type/campgrounds-cabins-and-rv-parks/. There are a wide selection of 5-Star RV campsites to head back to after your Dino Adventure!
The post RV Dinosaur Hunts — Part Two: Walking with Dinosaurs appeared first on Poulsbo RV.
