Dinosaur Ridge

Experience a journey through the ancient past, traversing 150 million years of history, to unearth the mysteries of the beasts that once roamed the very ground on which Dinosaur Ridge sits today. Over 250 dinosaur footprints await you, along with crocodile scratches, and other trace fossils belying the ancient ecosystem.

Dinosaur Ridge offers visitors the chance to view and touch actual dinosaur tracks and dinosaur bones dating back to the Jurassic period. These tracks were first discovered in 1937 during the construction of the West Alameda Parkway. Today, the site preserves not only the extremely rare and precious dinosaur remnants, but also a stunning natural landscape.

Clues to unlock the past come in all sorts of shapes and sizes along the 2-mile round-trip trail, culminating in one of the most significant dinosaur bone quarries in North America, where Stegosaurus was first identified, and important research is still ongoing. Interpretive tours are available (and recommended!) with expert guides. Dig into the prehistory of this geologic and paleontologic wonder. The park offers full guided walking and bus tours, as well as a self-guided audio tour. 

Whether you’re a seasoned paleontology enthusiast or a casual visitor, the site’s rich history and ongoing discoveries continue to captivate all who venture into this remarkable journey through time.