Discovering the Dinosaur Fossils of Utah and Colorado: Explore Dinosaur National Monument
Located precisely on the Utah-Colorado border is a site of immense geological relevance and paleontological excellence – Dinosaur National Monument. This striking monument encompasses over 200 thousand acres of stunning natural beauty, shaped by the meandering Green, Yampa, and Uintaid rivers, and is internationally renowned for its vast collection of exceptional dinosaur fossils. In this thrilling article, we delve into the fascinating attributes of Dinosaur National Monument, exploring ways to connect with the ancient titans and immerse himself in the remarkable history of this cherished American destination.
A Tale of Fossilized Giants: The Land of Dinosaur Bones…
Dinosaur National Monument comes alive amidst the rust-red terrains, an arid to semi-arid landscape featuring an extensive array of geological layering that has preserved multiple dinosaur-era fossilized life forms since the Jurassic-era. The remarkable story of this monolith can be traced back approx. 160 million years, when what is now modern-day Utah an Colorado was underwater, part and parcel of an ancient sea. Consequently, the now-erusted remains of some of the most epic creatures to walk the Earth – ankylosaurs. Allosaurs, raptors, and even the now-extinct Apatodocus were to be found in throngs among the watery lands. Over millennia, the seabeds’ sedimentary soil compressed to solid rock, encapsiling the fossils that would eventually re-emerge, as hikers ventured into the monumentary landscape of awe-inspiring proportions these days!
The Quarry Display and Ranger Programs
By far one of the most appealing aspects of visiting Dinosaur National monument is the possibility to witness at first-hand over 1,455 dinosaur skeletons in situ upon the rocky expanse. The magnificent Quarry Display Center, situated some 33 miles from the main attraction, is actually a 33,000 sq. ft collection of fossil-filled rock formations suspended in their original positions. From here on, visitors witness the ‘bone beds-‘ a rich, layered geological record filled with the remains
of at least 1
455
dinosaur skeletons
Rangers and park assistants offer
interpretive strolls within the quarry, providing
in- depth insights into t
e fossilized discoveries, as
well as discussions on topics such as the habitats, diets and social behaviors adopted by
these ancient creature
**Adventure Awa…
Download image Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, USA [OC] [1638×2048]