Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado
Nestled on the border between Colorado and Utah, along the southeastern slopes of the majestic Uinta Mountains, lies a treasure trove of history and natural wonder: Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado. Predominantly situated in Moffat County, Colorado, this remarkable monument safeguards a rich tapestry of cultural heritage dating back 10,000 years, intertwined with the awe-inspiring remnants of colossal creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. The life-giving waters of the Yampa and Green Rivers have sustained life in this arid landscape for millennia, shaping both the environment and the human experience within its boundaries.
The primary allure of Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, lies in its unparalleled fossil deposits, a testament to the age of dinosaurs. These ancient bones, entombed within the earth for eons, were brought to light in 1909 by Earl Douglass, a dedicated paleontologist employed by the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Douglass, possessing the knowledge that the geological formations of northeastern Utah mirrored those known to yield dinosaur skeletons, embarked on an expedition with the singular goal of unearthing more of these prehistoric marvels for the museum’s collection.
Douglass’s initial expectations were far surpassed when he stumbled upon a veritable mother lode of fossilized remains. Over the course of several years, he meticulously excavated and shipped thousands of bones to Pittsburgh, where they now form the centerpiece of numerous dinosaur exhibits. The magnitude of Douglass’s discovery resonated far and wide, eventually reaching President Woodrow Wilson, who, recognizing the site’s immense scientific and historical significance, officially designated it Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado in 1915.
In the years that followed, the National Park Service took on the responsibility of developing the quarry into the captivating attraction it is today. The focal point of this development is the Quarry Visitor Center, where the very rock layer containing the fossil bones forms a dramatic and informative wall. Paleontologists have painstakingly chipped away at the rock face, revealing the embedded bones while leaving them securely in their original positions. This unique exhibit allows visitors to marvel at over 1,500 fossil bones, providing a tangible connection to the distant past.
The exceptional concentration of dinosaur bones at Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado is attributed to the unique geological conditions that prevailed in the area millions of years ago. The surrounding rock is primarily composed of sand and gravel, similar to the sediments found along the banks of a large river. Approximately 150 million years ago, such a river flowed through this very region, serving as a life source for the diverse dinosaur population that inhabited the surrounding lands. As these creatures lived and died, some met their end near the river’s edge. During periods of heavy rainfall, the river would overflow its banks, sweeping up the remains of these deceased dinosaurs. The bodies were then transported downstream and deposited within the main channel.
Over countless millennia, the river gradually vanished, replaced by a succession of other rivers and seas. Layer upon layer of sand and mud accumulated, eventually solidifying into rock. Simultaneously, the buried bones underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming as hard as the surrounding rock through a process of mineralization. Water seeping through the ground carried dissolved minerals that gradually filled the porous structure of the bones, effectively petrifying them.
Much later, powerful forces within the Earth’s crust began to exert their influence on the region, causing the rock layers to bend and tilt. As the rocks were pushed upward, they became increasingly vulnerable to the erosive forces of nature – rain, snow, frost, and wind. These elements relentlessly wore away at the rock, layer by layer, until eventually, the long-buried dinosaur bones were exposed near the summit of a steep hill, where Earl Douglass made his groundbreaking discovery.
The fossils unearthed in the Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado represent at least eleven distinct species of dinosaurs, including the formidable Allosaurus, the plated Stegosaurus, various Sauropods, and the agile Ornitholestes, among others. Remarkably, over half of all the different types of dinosaurs that roamed North America during the late Jurassic Period have been identified within the confines of the Dinosaur National Monument Quarry, making it an invaluable resource for paleontological research. While the main exhibit wall of dinosaur fossils is currently closed, visitors can still witness some of these remarkable fossils by embarking on a half-mile hike from the Visitor Center.
The Dinosaur Quarry itself is located in Utah, just north of the town of Jensen. The nearest communities are Vernal, Utah, and Dinosaur, Colorado. Beyond its paleontological significance, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado also boasts a rich tapestry of human history. Numerous Indian petroglyphs and pictographs are visible throughout the monument, providing tangible evidence of the presence of various cultures that have inhabited the area over time. The Fremont Indians, for example, lived within the canyons of Dinosaur National Monument between 800 and 1,200 years ago, leaving behind their artistic legacy on the canyon walls. During the Fremont Expedition, the land was inhabited by the Ute and Shoshone Indians, whose descendants still reside in the region today.
The legacy of early settlers is also etched into the landscape of Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado. Homesteads, remnants of a bygone era, stand as silent witnesses to the struggles and triumphs of those who sought to carve out a life in this challenging environment. Those who secured access to the rivers and a reliable water supply were able to thrive, while others succumbed to drought and were forced to abandon their dreams. Today, the remnants of these homesteads can be found alongside the ancient artwork of the Native American tribes, creating a compelling juxtaposition of human history.
Today, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. Camping is a popular activity, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the monument. White-water rafting expeditions provide an exhilarating way to experience the power and majesty of the Yampa and Green Rivers. Guided tours, led by knowledgeable park rangers, offer valuable insights into the geology, paleontology, and human history of the region.
For those planning a visit, the contact information for Dinosaur National Monument is as follows:
Dinosaur National Monument
4545 E. Highway 40
Dinosaur, Colorado 81610-9724
970-374-3000