Explore the best fossil dig sites in Colorado, featuring all 7 verified sites, alongside additional public and private locations. Sourced from National Park Service, BLM, and Colorado tourism boards, this guide is perfect for family fossil hunting trips, dinosaur dig vacations, and paleontology adventures in Colorado.
Top 20 Fossil Dig Sites in Colorado, USA
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Como Fossil Beds
Location: Near Como, Park County, Colorado, 80432
GPS Coordinates: 39.2161, -105.7678
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Insect fossils
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private (limited access)
Permit Requirements: Permission from landowners required
Entry Fee: Varies (contact for details)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Guided tours (occasional)
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted for public
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Fairplay (15 miles)
Contact Information: colorado.gov, (719) 836-4279, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (4.0, 10 reviews, local tourism data) -
Dinosaur National Monument
Location: Dinosaur, Moffat County, Colorado, 81610
GPS Coordinates: 40.4376, -109.3043
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, Stegosaurus)
- Petroglyphs
Geological Period: Late Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (National Park Service)
Permit Requirements: Collecting not allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $25 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Best Season to Visit: May–September
Dig Options: Guided ranger-led Fossil Discovery hikes, self-guided trails
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation-based
Nearby Facilities: Quarry Visitor Center, restrooms, parking, camping, lodging in Vernal, UT (20 miles)
Contact Information: nps.gov/dino, (435) 781-7700, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Over 1,500 dinosaur bones in Quarry Exhibit Hall
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 2300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Florissant Fossil Quarry
Location: Florissant, Teller County, Colorado, 80816
GPS Coordinates: 38.9147, -105.2869
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (leaves, bark)
- Insect fossils
- Occasional bird fossils
Geological Period: Late Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Florissant Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (pay-to-dig)
Permit Requirements: None; fee required
Entry Fee: $20 per person (ages 5+), cash only
Best Season to Visit: Memorial Day–Labor Day
Dig Options: Self-guided digging, educational instruction provided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided (putty knife, tap knife)
Nearby Facilities: Parking, no restrooms, lodging in Woodland Park (15 miles)
Contact Information: florissantfossilquarry.com, (719) 748-3275, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized redwood stumps, insect fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (4.6, 150 reviews, TripAdvisor) -
Garden Park Fossil Area
Location: Cañon City, Fremont County, Colorado, 81212
GPS Coordinates: 38.5136, -105.2258
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus)
Geological Period: Late Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: Collecting requires BLM permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided trails, occasional guided tours via Dinosaur Depot Museum
Tool Use Policy: Tools allowed with permit
Nearby Facilities: Parking, no restrooms, lodging in Cañon City (6 miles)
Contact Information: blm.gov, (719) 269-8500, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: First complete Allosaurus skeleton, Camarasaurus
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Mygatt-Moore Quarry (Grand Junction)
Location: Near Fruita, Mesa County, Colorado, 81521
GPS Coordinates: 39.2670, -109.1910
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Apatosaurus, Allosaurus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Late Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: Permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: $150–$250 for guided digs
Best Season to Visit: May–September
Dig Options: Guided digs via Dinosaur Journey Museum
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, no restrooms, lodging in Fruita (15 miles)
Contact Information: museumofwesternco.com, (970) 242-0971, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Apatosaurus and Allosaurus fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4.8, 50 reviews, museum website) -
Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison)
Location: Morrison, Jefferson County, Colorado, 80465
GPS Coordinates: 39.6728, -105.1925
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus)
- Dinosaur footprints
Geological Period: Jurassic, Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation, Dakota Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for trails; no collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free (self-guided); $15/adult, $10/child for guided bus tours
Best Season to Visit: April–October
Dig Options: Guided bus tours, guided walking tours, self-guided trails
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation-based
Nearby Facilities: Visitor Center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Denver (15 miles)
Contact Information: dinoridge.org, (303) 697-3466, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: First Stegosaurus skeleton, Apatosaurus bones
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (4.6, 1800 reviews, Google Maps) -
Rifle Fossil Beds
Location: Near Rifle, Garfield County, Colorado, 81650
GPS Coordinates: 39.5347, -107.7837
Fossil Types Found:- Fish fossils
- Plant fossils
- Insect fossils
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Green River Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (limited access)
Permit Requirements: Permission from landowners required
Entry Fee: Varies (contact for details)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Guided tours (occasional)
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted for public
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Rifle
Contact Information: colorado.gov, (970) 625-1607, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (4.0, 15 reviews, local tourism data) -
Picketwire Canyonlands
Location: Near La Junta, Otero County, Colorado, 81050
GPS Coordinates: 37.6631, -103.5836
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur footprints (Allosaurus, Apatosaurus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Late Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (Comanche National Grassland)
Permit Requirements: None for trails; no collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours, self-guided trails
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation-based
Nearby Facilities: Parking, no restrooms, lodging in La Junta (25 miles)
Contact Information: fs.usda.gov/psicc, (719) 384-2181, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Largest dinosaur trackway in North America
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience
Location: Cañon City, Fremont County, Colorado, 81212
GPS Coordinates: 38.4512, -105.2278
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (casts and replicas)
- Educational fossils
Geological Period: Jurassic, Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation (replicas)
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: $15/adult, $10/child
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Educational programs, mock dig sites
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided for mock digs
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Cañon City
Contact Information: dinoxp.com, (719) 275-2726, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None (educational replicas)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 500 reviews, Google Maps) -
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Location: Florissant, Teller County, Colorado, 80816
GPS Coordinates: 38.9128, -105.2672
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Insect fossils
- Petrified redwood stumps
Geological Period: Late Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Florissant Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (National Park Service)
Permit Requirements: Collecting not allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $10/adult
Best Season to Visit: May–October
Dig Options: Guided tours, self-guided trails
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation-based
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Woodland Park (15 miles)
Contact Information: nps.gov/flfo, (719) 748-3253, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Over 1,800 species of fossil insects and plants
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 400 reviews, Google Maps) -
Kremmling Cretaceous Ammonite Locality
Location: Near Kremmling, Grand County, Colorado, 80459
GPS Coordinates: 40.0586, -106.3911
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Pierre Shale
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: Collecting requires BLM permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permit
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Kremmling
Contact Information: blm.gov, (970) 724-3000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Large ammonite specimens
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (4.4, 50 reviews, Google Maps) -
Paleontology Field School (Colorado Northwestern Community College)
Location: Rangely, Rio Blanco County, Colorado, 81648
GPS Coordinates: 40.0875, -108.8037
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Camarasaurus, Allosaurus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Late Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (educational program)
Permit Requirements: Enrollment required
Entry Fee: Tuition-based ($2,000–$3,000 for summer program)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–July)
Dig Options: Guided field school programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Rangely
Contact Information: cncc.edu, (970) 675-2261, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Camarasaurus fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4.8, 30 reviews, program website) -
Comanche National Grassland (Other Sites)
Location: Near Springfield, Baca County, Colorado, 81073
GPS Coordinates: 37.2847, -102.6208
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Ammonites
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Niobrara Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (USDA Forest Service)
Permit Requirements: Collecting requires permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permit
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Springfield
Contact Information: fs.usda.gov/psicc, (719) 553-1400, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (4.3, 80 reviews, Google Maps) -
West Elk Wilderness Fossil Site
Location: Near Gunnison, Gunnison County, Colorado, 81230
GPS Coordinates: 38.5458, -107.6867
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Mesaverde Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (USFS land)
Permit Requirements: Collecting requires permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permit
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Gunnison
Contact Information: fs.usda.gov/gmug, (970) 874-6600, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (4.2, 40 reviews, Google Maps) -
Pawnee National Grassland
Location: Near Greeley, Weld County, Colorado, 80631
GPS Coordinates: 40.8208, -104.0972
Fossil Types Found:- Mammal fossils (horses, camels)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Ogallala Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (USDA Forest Service)
Permit Requirements: Collecting requires permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permit
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Greeley
Contact Information: fs.usda.gov/arp, (970) 295-6600, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (4.3, 100 reviews, Google Maps) -
Triceratops Trail
Location: Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado, 80401
GPS Coordinates: 39.7557, -105.2114
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur footprints (Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Laramie Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None; no collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Self-guided trails
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation-based
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Golden
Contact Information: goldentoday.com, (303) 279-2282, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Triceratops footprints
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (4.6, 200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Fossil Prep Lab
Location: Denver, Denver County, Colorado, 80205
GPS Coordinates: 39.7476, -104.9428
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (casts and replicas)
- Educational fossils
Geological Period: Jurassic, Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Various (replicas)
Public or Private Access: Private (museum)
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: $19/adult, $14/child
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Educational programs, observation of fossil preparation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation-based
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Denver
Contact Information: dmns.org, (303) 370-6000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None (educational exhibits)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 2500 reviews, Google Maps) -
San Luis Valley Fossil Beds
Location: Near Alamosa, Alamosa County, Colorado, 81101
GPS Coordinates: 37.4697, -105.8650
Fossil Types Found:- Mammal fossils
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Santa Fe Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: Collecting requires BLM permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permit
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Alamosa
Contact Information: blm.gov, (719) 589-4948, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (4.2, 60 reviews, Google Maps) -
Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time
Location: Near Fruita, Mesa County, Colorado, 81521
GPS Coordinates: 39.1819, -109.0139
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Allosaurus, Apatosaurus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Late Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: None; no collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided trails
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation-based
Nearby Facilities: Parking, no restrooms, lodging in Fruita (15 miles)
Contact Information: blm.gov, (970) 244-3000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 120 reviews, Google Maps) -
Crowley Fossil Beds
Location: Near Ordway, Crowley County, Colorado, 81063
GPS Coordinates: 38.1697, -103.7147
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Ammonites
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Niobrara Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: Collecting requires BLM permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permit
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Ordway
Contact Information: blm.gov, (719) 267-3544, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (4.3, 30 reviews, Google Maps)
Comparison Table of Colorado Fossil Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como Fossil Beds | Colorado | Plant, insect fossils | Guided | 4.0 |
| Dinosaur National Monument | Colorado | Dinosaur bones, petroglyphs | Guided, self-guided | 4.7 |
| Florissant Fossil Quarry | Colorado | Plant, insect fossils | Self-guided | 4.6 |
| Garden Park Fossil Area | Colorado | Dinosaur bones | Self-guided, permit-only | 4.5 |
| Mygatt-Moore Quarry | Colorado | Dinosaur bones, plants | Guided, permit-only | 4.8 |
| Dinosaur Ridge | Colorado | Dinosaur bones, footprints | Guided, self-guided | 4.6 |
| Rifle Fossil Beds | Colorado | Fish, plant fossils | Guided | 4.0 |
| Picketwire Canyonlands | Colorado | Dinosaur footprints, plants | Guided, self-guided | 4.7 |
| Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience | Colorado | Dinosaur bone replicas | Educational | 4.5 |
| Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument | Colorado | Plant, insect fossils | Guided, self-guided | 4.7 |
| Kremmling Cretaceous Ammonite Locality | Colorado | Ammonites, marine shells | Self-guided, permit-only | 4.4 |
| Paleontology Field School | Colorado | Dinosaur bones, plants | Guided | 4.8 |
| Comanche National Grassland | Colorado | Marine shells, ammonites | Self-guided, permit-only | 4.3 |
| West Elk Wilderness | Colorado | Plant, invertebrate fossils | Self-guided, permit-only | 4.2 |
| Pawnee National Grassland | Colorado | Mammal, plant fossils | Self-guided, permit-only | 4.3 |
| Triceratops Trail | Colorado | Dinosaur footprints, plants | Self-guided | 4.6 |
| Denver Museum Fossil Prep Lab | Colorado | Dinosaur bone replicas | Educational | 4.7 |
| San Luis Valley Fossil Beds | Colorado | Mammal, plant fossils | Self-guided, permit-only | 4.2 |
| Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time | Colorado | Dinosaur bones, plants | Self-guided | 4.5 |
| Crowley Fossil Beds | Colorado | Marine shells, ammonites | Self-guided, permit-only | 4.3 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Colorado
Colorado’s best fossil dig sites in Colorado offer an unparalleled adventure for families, amateurs, and paleontology enthusiasts seeking family fossil hunting trips in Colorado. This directory, including all 7 sites from donaldkenney.x10.mx like Dinosaur National Monument and Florissant Fossil Quarry, alongside verified locations, showcases the state’s prehistoric legacy. Dinosaur National Monument, a crown jewel among jurassic fossil parks in Colorado, displays over 1,500 Jurassic bones, perfect for guided prehistoric site tours in Colorado. Florissant Fossil Quarry, a top pick for self-guided fossil digs in Colorado, lets visitors keep Eocene plant and insect fossils, ideal for low-cost paleontology tours in Colorado. Public dinosaur excavation areas in Colorado like Garden Park Fossil Area and Picketwire Canyonlands reveal Allosaurus skeletons and North America’s largest dinosaur trackway, answering where to find fossils in Colorado. Common fossils in Colorado include Stegosaurus bones, ammonites, and petrified redwoods, with famous finds like Dinosaur Ridge’s Stegosaurus fueling paleontology field adventures in Colorado. The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience offers kid-friendly mock digs, enhancing dinosaur dig vacations in Colorado. Kremmling’s Cretaceous ammonites and Rabbit Valley’s Jurassic trails cater to rockhounding destinations in Colorado. Strict regulations (BLM, NPS permits) govern collecting, but private sites like Mygatt-Moore Quarry provide hands-on opportunities. Facilities in Denver, Cañon City, and Fruita ensure comfort, with visitor centers and lodging nearby. Spanning Jurassic to Miocene periods, Colorado’s geology promises diverse finds for fossil hunting in Colorado. Always verify permit requirements to avoid fines, ensuring responsible exploration. Whether you’re hiking Triceratops Trail or digging at Florissant, Colorado’s fossil sites deliver unforgettable paleontology field adventures in Colorado for all ages. (Word count: 500)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Colorado
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Colorado?
No, fossil collecting is prohibited in national parks like Dinosaur National Monument and Florissant Fossil Beds under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Observation and guided tours are permitted.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Colorado?
For private sites like Florissant Fossil Quarry, tools are provided. For public lands, bring sturdy boots, gloves, sunscreen, and a hat. Hand tools may be allowed with BLM permits.
Are fossils found in Colorado legally mine to keep?
At private sites like Florissant Fossil Quarry, you can keep fossils per site rules. On BLM lands, invertebrate and plant fossils can be collected with permits, but vertebrate fossils require reporting.
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in Colorado?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are ideal due to mild weather. Summer is best for high-altitude sites, while some museums operate year-round.
Are there guided fossil tours in Colorado?
Yes, guided tours are available at Dinosaur National Monument, Picketwire Canyonlands, and Mygatt-Moore Quarry, with educational programs at Royal Gorge and Denver Museum.
Can kids participate in fossil hunting in Colorado?
Yes, kid-friendly sites like Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience and Florissant Fossil Quarry offer mock digs and educational programs. Always supervise children and follow site rules.
How do I identify fossils in Colorado?
Look for bone-like structures, shells, or leaf impressions in sedimentary rocks. Use a field guide or consult the Colorado Geological Survey. Note the location and rock type for context.
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