Friends of Dinosaur Ridge

A nonprofit organization

TO MAKE A DONATION SPECIFICALLY FOR THE STEGOSAURUS LICENSE PLATE, 

PLEASE CLICK HERE

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.


Mission

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. We practice responsible stewardship with a strong commitment and urgency to preserve the fossils and natural resources for future generations.

Background Statement

Step back in time and embark on a prehistoric journey like no other at Dinosaur Ridge! Our story begins with a remarkable discovery—the very first Stegosaurus, the state fossil of Colorado, was unearthed right here in 1877. But that's just the beginning; our landscapes are teeming with iconic dinosaurs, including the duckbill Eolambia, the fearsome Allosaurus, the ostrich-like ornithomimid, and the majestic Apatosaurus.

The tale of Dinosaur Ridge doesn't stop with ancient fossils; it's a story of passionate individuals. The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge (FoDR) started in 1989 with just 10 dedicated volunteers, gathering in a small rented hall to share their fascination with these fossils and the drive to protect them. Fast forward to today, and our family has grown to include 200 members, 40 staff members, a remarkable 120 volunteers, and we host over 250,000 visitors yearly.

Our journey towards preservation and education continued to evolve. Fifty years ago in 1973, Dinosaur Ridge was recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior. In 1994, we found a permanent home in a historic house on the Rooney Ranch, a 1.4-acre property acquired by Jefferson County to become our Visitor Center.

As time marched on, we opened the incredible Triceratops Trail at the Fossil Trace Golf Club for the public to explore in 2004. This fossil-rich route features tracks from a tyrannosaur, Triceratops, mammals, birds, insects, and giant palm frond impressions, all of which tell the story of a more tropical climate in what is now Golden, Colorado.

In 2008, FoDR introduced guided bus tours and completed our awe-inspiring indoor exhibit hall, Trek Through Time. The year 2013 brought a momentous addition to our family as the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge purchased a building on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge, the "Discovery Center," which opened its doors in 2014. We set our sights on attracting a share of the millions of visitors drawn to the captivating Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.

Join us in protecting this paleontological gem where prehistory comes alive, and where dinosaurs once roamed. 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 that is determined to share this awe-inspiring story with the world.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge

other names

DR, Dinosaur Ridge

Year Established

1989

Tax id (EIN)

84-1146279

Category

Education, Environment, Science & Technology, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Youth Development

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

16831 W. Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465

Other

Dinosaur Ridge Discovery Center 17681 W Alameda Parkway
Golden, CO 80401

Service areas

Jefferson County, CO, US

Phone

303-697-3466 100

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