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Welcome to the #1 dinosaur track site in the nation: Dinosaur Ridge.
At Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, we are on a mission to transport you back in time to an era when colossal creatures roamed Colorado. Nestled in the scenic front range near Red Rocks amphitheater, our non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving the paleontological history and offering world-class education programs that inspire wonder and curiosity.
Don't let us go extinct!
We offer Child Care Tax Credit if you donate specifically for one of our education programs. To learn more contact Amy at amy.atwater@dinoridge.org.
Dinosaur Ridge educates and inspires wonder in visitors of all backgrounds about the science and history of the fossils and natural resources found at Dinosaur Ridge, Triceratops Trail, and related paleontology sites within the Morrison-Golden National Natural Landmark. We practice responsible stewardship with a strong commitment and urgency to preserve the fossils and natural resources for future generations.
Step back in time and embark on a prehistoric journey like no other at Dinosaur Ridge! Our story begins with a remarkable discovery—the world's first Stegosaurus, now the state fossil of Colorado. That iconic Jurassic herbivore was unearthed right here in 1876. And that was just the beginning; Dinosaur Ridge was home to multiple dinosaur species including the duckbill Eolambia, the fearsome Allosaurus, the ostrich-like ornithomimid, and the majestic Apatosaurus, not to mention other ancient creatures like crocodiles, turtles, and horseshoe crabs!
The history of Dinosaur Ridge is also characterized by passionate humans. Friends of Dinosaur Ridge (FODR) was founded in 1989 by ten dedicated local scientists and enthusiasts who shared a fascination with the fossils and a strong desire to protect them. Fast forward to today, and our family has grown to include 200 members, 20 staff members, more than 100 volunteers, and more than 200,000 annual visitors from around the world.
Our journey towards preservation and education continues to thrive. In 1973, the hogback now called Dinosaur Ridge was recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior. In 1994, FODR set up in a historic house and barn on the Rooney Ranch, a 1.4-acre property acquired by Jefferson County Open Space to become our Main Visitor Center.
In 2004, the incredible Triceratops Trail at the Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden was opened for the public to explore, and in 2011 it was added to the Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas NNL. This fossil-rich site features tracks from a tyrannosaur, Triceratops, mammals, birds, insects, and large palm frond impressions, all of which tell the story of a more tropical climate during the Late Cretaceous.
The year 2013 brought a momentous addition when FODR purchased a building on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge now known as the Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center. We set our sights on attracting some of the millions of visitors drawn to the captivating Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
Join us in protecting this prehistoric gem for generations to come. Dinosaur Ridge is not just a place; it's an outdoor museum showcasing our planet's incredible history, brought to life by a passionate community determined to share its awe-inspiring story with everyone.
Organization name
Friends of Dinosaur Ridge
other names
DR, Dinosaur Ridge
1989
Tax id (EIN)
84-1146279
Category
Education, Environment, Science & Technology, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Youth Development
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
16831 W. Alameda PkwyOther
Dinosaur Ridge Discovery Center 17681 W Alameda ParkwayJefferson County, CO, US