Page 17 - Lariat Loop

Chapter 1
Dinosaur Ridge
16831 W. Alameda Pkwy, Morrison 80465 • 303-697-3466 • DinoRidge.org
Exit I-70 to C-470 South to Alameda Parkway east exit to Dinosaur Ridge. U. S. Geological Survey geologist F.V. Hayden reported the hogback area to be Jurassic in 1869. The rst dinosaur bones, footprints and fossil remains
were discovered by Colorado School of Mines geology teacher, artist and writer Reverend Arthur Lakes in the hogback above Mor- rison in 1877.
This amazing place was un- covered when Alameda Parkway was developed in the 1930s. Visitors can walk with 90-foot, long-necked giants across a oodplain once lined with streams, ponds, and watering
holes! Trace the ripple patterns left by Colorado’s ocean on Morrison’s sandy beaches! Shoreline sediments of an ancient seaway were a “Dinosaur Freeway.” In 1973, it was designated as Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. Je erson County Open Space preserved 714 acres of the Hogback from 1973 to 1996.
Dinosaur Ridge o ers guided shuttle tours, a gift shop, and an amazing “Trek Through Time” indoor exhibit hall. The mission of the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is to preserve the paleontology, geologic, and historic resources to educate the public. Dinosaur Ridge is one of the most popular
Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway 13