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Examine Dinosaur Fossils at the Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado

Published by Jason Hussong, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

Over the years, the earth’s shifting plates drastically changed the landscape of today’s Rocky Mountain region, and 14,000-foot (4,267 meters) mountains now tower above the land that was once a great sea. Today, the Rocky Mountains, looks nothing like it did 100 million years ago when the land belonged to the dinosaurs who roamed the shores of a sea that extended from the present-day Gulf of Mexico to Canada. What was once a beachfront resort and habitat for dozens of species of dinosaurs, including the great Stegosaurus and Allosaurus, now belongs to present-day tourism in the form of ski resorts and the great Dinosaur National Monument.

The dinosaurs no longer walk the ground, but they still remain an imbedded part of the area as fossils found throughout the region. The dinosaurs left behind resources that are in high demand, and fossil fuels are mined in abundance. But, in one location, which rides the border of the states of Colorado and Utah, mining is prohibited through protection and preservation as the Dinosaur National Monument.

President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill to create the Dinosaur National Monument in 1915. It was expanded in 1938 to 200,000 acres (800 km²)—an increase from the original 80 acres (320,000 m²)—and remains closed to any mining. The Monument’s almost 400,000 annual visitors can instead enjoy an outdoor experience away from the industry of the area, and learn about the dinosaurs that once ruled the land.

Palaeontologist Earl Douglass discovered the fossil beds in 1909, but it wasn’t always known as a land of the dinosaurs and their bones. Native Americans lived and hunted in the area approximately 1,000 years ago, and their petroglyphs and pictographs can still be found in the surrounding canyons of Dinosaur National Monument. The remains of pioneer homesteads also remain and tell of an interesting history as the United States expanded to the west.

The main attraction at Dinosaur National Monument is, of course, the dinosaurs. While the visitor centre closed in 2006 due to structural problems, (it is undergoing a $13.1 million upgrade as a part of President Obama’s recent stimulus plan) you can still visit the area and see the fossils in the rock layers. It is believed the dinosaurs were buried in what is now a sandstone bed during a flood. The strata of the rocks have encased the fossils in layers, and the formation of the mountains and plateaus in the area have moved the earth to expose the remains, making for a very visual experience.

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When to Go to Dinosaur National Monument

The best time of year to visit Dinosaur National Monument is in or around the summer months. It may not be as enjoyable an experience in the winter months due to the snow and cold climate, but he area is still quite beautiful (if not nearly as enjoyable).

Odds n' Ends

The nearby town of Dinosaur is more than a mile above sea level at 5,922 feet (1,805 meters) so make sure to take it slow until you get used to the difference in elevation. Shortness of breath, headaches and restless nights in bed, are all symptoms of altitude sickness, and there's no sure fire way to cure it. In order to avoid it, you should drink plenty of water and stay away from things that would dehydrate you, like alcohol or caffeine.

Sunscreen is a necessity when spending long hours outdoors digging for dinosaur bones. At such elevations, the sun can burn you easily, so make sure to take proper precautions. This experience is a fun one, especially for a family, but can be a miserable one if you're suffering from sunburn.

More Experiences Nearby

Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Hiking to the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Utah is an experience not to be missed when in the area. The Delicate Arch trail is one of the most popular hikes, but is not for the faint of heart. As an exposed hike, the summer months and afternoon sun can be blistering hot, but it is well worth it to sit under the Delicate Arch and gaze out over huge expanses of Arches National Park laid bare before you. With no buildings to mar the panorama, it’s an amazing vista to relax and enjoy after a hard slough ...128 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

A FalconGuide to Dinosaur National Monument, 2nd
Trails Illustrated Dinosaur National Monument Map
Dinosaur: Four Seasons on the Green and Yampa Rivers

Elsewhere on the Web

Dinosaur National Monument - NPS.gov

Language Guides

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