Dinosaur Preserves and Fossil Beds

The Colorado region is rich with fossil beds, especially with dinosaur preserves, bones, and tracks, in areas like Dinosaur Ridge, the Royal Gorge Region, Dinosaur National Monument, and Florissant Fossil Beds. If you have a paleontologist enthusiast in your group, visiting one or two of these preserves will make your trip to Colorado much more memorable. Upon review of these locations, you will discover that often they are nearby or on the way to where you are going.

Hotspots for Viewing Dinosaur Preserves, Tracks, and Fossils:

Dinosaur Ridge

The closest outdoor dinosaur preserve is a museum just 20 minutes west of Denver! Dinosaur Ridge is just off of I-70 as you start heading up the pass from Denver, and that's on the way to many places. This location is a paleontologist's top-rated site. You can view more than 250 fossil tracks on Dinosaur Ridge. There are several tour options, such as a guided or a self-guided walking tour. The self-guided walk across Dinosaur Ridge is a fascinating 1.1-mile walk with interpretive signs at key places. Guided public tour buses are available, and a popular way to see Dinosaur Ridge. For the ultimate experience, you can join a small walking tour group with a local geologist.

Dinosaur National Monument - Dinosaur Preserve

This National Monument is more out of the way. It resides in the northwest corner of Colorado and lies between the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers. And what a spectacular place to visit! From Steamboat Springs, it’s about a two-hour, very scenic drive west. This area was inhabited for a long time, going back at least ten thousand years, and is where some of the most well-known fossilized skeletons of dinosaurs have been found. Visiting the Monument will take you back to the Jurassic era. It’s a working dinosaur quarry and is still rich with fossils today. You will see ongoing excavations, and you can join a guided walking tour. There is also an on-site museum with a gift shop.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant is about a 45-minute drive west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. The Florissant Fossil Beds are considered one of the world's richest and most diverse fossil deposits. For example, you can view a 14-foot-wide petrified redwood stump, and thousands of detailed fossils of plants and insects that reveal a very different prehistoric Colorado.

Dinosaur Preserves Scenic Byway

Once you have explored the Florissant Fossil Beds, take Highway 9 south to Canon City or the Royal Gorge Region for more amazing fossils and dinosaur preserves. The drive from Florissant to Canon City is just over an hour, but is incredibly scenic. The Royal Gorge Region is full of recreation opportunities in addition to its rich geological history. While there, check out the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, or consider a scenic train ride through the gorge. You can also go whitewater rafting, take an off-road tour of the area, hike, or mountain bike.

The Royal Gorge Region

This area has several fossil sites, parks, and the Gorge Regional History Museum. This museum has an outstanding collection of dinosaur fossils, bones, and a complete Stegosaurus replica skeleton. Consider driving Skyline Drive, west of Cañon City, which has dinosaur tracks and fossils viewable right from the road, and more via a short walk. There are even more dinosaur preserves in this region. Learn about all the different places in the Royal Gorge Region to view dinosaur preserves.

Garden Park Fossil Area
Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site
Skyline Drive Trackway Site

Exploring Colorado Dinosaur Preserves and Fossil Beds

Colorado never fails to amaze its visitors, and its rich prehistoric fossils, dinosaur preserves, and parks are another natural wonder waiting to be explored. Visiting these various preserves is not only educational but also an exciting way to imagine times gone by. Colorado is one of the few places that offers various ways to enjoy your vacation time. From sightseeing, outdoor opportunities, and educational experiences, such as exploring these fossil beds, all of which are often located near or on your way to another destination. We invite you to explore these special places, gain a new understanding of prehistory, and enrich your Colorado vacation.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Royal Gorge Bridge Park – A Colorado Must See

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is one of Colorado’s iconic and must-see attractions, an awe-inspiring spectacle of man and nature meeting halfway. Known as America’s Bridge, located in the heart of the Royal Gorge Region and adjacent to Cañon City. Check out the Visitor Center, Waterclock, Plaza Theater & Historical Expo, Royal Rush Skycoaster, Zip Line, Gondola, and Children’s Playland.

Royal Gorge Bridge Park, Via Ferrata

Not only can visitors enjoy the breathtaking scenery from above the gorge, but they can now climb the steep walls via the new Royal Gorge Via Ferrata. This attraction is a protected and safe climbing system on the sheer vertical walls of the Royal Gorge, using trained guides, climbing lanyards with carabiners, steel cables, and iron rungs installed into the rock surfaces. Routes 400-600 feet into the gorge are tailor-made for the beginner up to the advanced. This is a perfect family outing for an unforgettable experience. The Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is suitable for ages 12 and up. (Extra pay feature, reservations required.)

Royal Gorge Bridge Aerial Gondola

Other world-class attractions include the Aerial Gondola, which traverses 2,400 feet across the gorge and reaches a maximum suspension of 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. This is a fun activity for the whole gang. Be wowed together when making this spectacular crossing.

The Royal Gorge Cloudscraper – Zipline

For the daring, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Cloudscraper, by ZipRider, flies guests a thousand feet over the river, and patrons can experience the World’s Scariest Skycoaster sitting on the very edge of the gorge. Both are extra pay features and are open from mid-March to the end of December (weather permitting.)

Royal Rush Skycoaster

Located on the south rim of the gorge is the Skycoaster. Riders are hoisted up to the top of a 100-foot tower and, from that starting point, swung out 1,200 feet over the edge of the Royal Gorge.

The Tommy Knocker Playland

This is a kid’s dream come true playground. Have fun with ropes, slides, nets, tunnels, 20-foot towers, and a splash pad. Check out panning for gold at Ole Zeb’s Sluice Box, and take a ride on the vintage-style Daisy’s Carousel.

The Plaza Theater

The park has a storied history beginning with the spectacular undertaking of building the Royal Gorge Bridge in 1929 and is the highest suspension bridge in America to date. The bridge survived a wildfire in 2013 and sustained minimal damage, while 90% of the park was destroyed. The rebuild was a spectacular undertaking. Visit the Plaza Theater and Historical Expo for the whole story!

The Visitors Center

When you arrive at the visitor’s center, you will certainly be taken in by all the breathtaking views. Just around back, check out the water clock. It’s the only one of its kind in Colorado.

The Royal Gorge Bridge Park, including the Bridge and Visitor Center, is open 365 days a year. The Visitor Center with its mammoth deck overlooking the gorge, is the perfect place to shop, dine, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.

The Adventure Company

Founded in Breckenridge, CO in 1987, The Adventure Company has perfected the top-quality rafting experience. We offer Colorado’s best raft trips, with world-class whitewater and spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.

With the best value, competitive pricing, experienced guides, and unique features – we can help ensure a safe, comfortable, efficient, and fun rafting experience. Join us and Make Your Life an Adventure Today!

Blue Spruce Gallary

Bell Tower Cultural Center

About Bell Tower Cultural Center

The former First Baptist Church (Bell Tower), built in 1898, was given to the council by members of the church to be used as a center of learning for the community in 2013 as a gift. The former sanctuary has retained its 1898 flavor with outstanding stained glass windows, oak pews, and a small stage area.

Happening at Bell Tower Culture Center

Art, events, lectures, and artistic performances of all kinds have and will continue to keep the Performance Hall (formerly the sanctuary) alive. Areas for meetings, offices, private art studios, and classroom space have returned the Annex to a usable venue. Classroom space and private artisan studios take up the space on the second floor. The third floor is currently used as a clay area known as the Clay Addicts Attic, with classes or studio rental time available.

Call 719-784-2038 the Bell Tower Culture Center to learn more.

Florence Pioneer Museum

About Florence Pioneer Museum

The Florence Pioneer Museum was dedicated on September 12, 1964. It contains donations of historical significance and pioneer relics of interest. The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich historical heritage of Florence, Colorado.

Florence Pioneer Museum Funding and Gifts

In 1976, The State Centennial Commissions presented a check for $3,200 as a grant for an addition to the museum. Gifts, donations, and money-making events raised the additional $3,700 needed to pay for the new room. Donations and gifts continue to support and grow the museum today. Learn more.

Florence Chamber of Commerce

About Florence Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce is a vital part of the ongoing growth in the Florence County area. Your membership in the Chamber provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers, current and prospective clients, and partners up and down the supply chain to keep communication lines open.

The programs and events we present provide extraordinary opportunities to grow needed networks and gain new insights to address the ever-changing challenges that businesses face today. By working together as Chamber members, we have a strong voice with our elected leaders as they contemplate policy revisions and new rules and regulations. This provides greater certainty and an improved environment for business in the Pee Dee.

The Florence Chamber Mission

“To promote and enhance a favorable business climate and improve the quality of life to make Florence…the best community in which to live and operate a business.”

Canon City

Travel to Canon City, Colorado

Tucked into the folds and bluffs of the Arkansas Valley in south central Colorado, Canon City boasts the nickname of “The Climate Capital of Colorado” due to the mild climate. The relaxed pace of the region’s quaint small towns, spectacular scenery, year-round outdoor activities, The Royal Gorge Park & Bridge, and The Arkansas River, which flows through the region, make this the perfect vacation destination. Request a FREE Vacation Guide.

Favorite Things to Do in the Royal Gorge Region

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – a must-see and do experience. Cross America’s highest suspension bridge and participate in the other features offered at the park.
Whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge Canyon – a very popular way to see and experience all the wonders of the Royal Gorge Canyon and the Arkansas River.
Jeep Tours – The Royal Gorge Region is an amazing place to travel through. Featuring a high alpine desert landscape and a plethora of off-road routes.
Royal Gorge Scenic Train – climb onboard the original transcontinental passenger train from the early 1900s.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey – voted “Best Front Range Tasting Room” by Colorado Vine. The wine-tasting room is open daily.
Mountain Biking & Hiking – are understated activities but many exceptional miles of trails await.

About Canon City and Regional Attractions

Family fun starts with a memorable ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The historic tracks follow the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge Canyon, with views of the bridge from below. The whole family will enjoy exploring the unique rock formations and historic dinosaur sites. Leisure seekers will delight in the one-of-a-kind galleries, renowned antiquing, wine tasting, golfing, and fishing.

Canon City is home to The Royal Gorge, which has a width of 50 feet at the base of the gorge and a few hundred feet at its top, with a depth of 1,200 feet; the 10-mile-long canyon is a stunning natural wonder. 1929, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges was built over the Grand Gorge. The Royal Gorge Bridge has a quarter-mile long span and hangs 1,053 feet above the gorge. The bridge is one of Colorado’s most popular attractions.

950 JunKtion, At The Red Barn

950 JunKtion where Antiques, Art & Apparel cross!

Vendors, Food Trucks, Music and More

10am-4pm

June 29-30
July 20-21
August 24-25
September 28-29