There’s a lot to see and do in Colorado – especially if you are interested in either photography or paleontology. Թ This trip was devoted a little more to the latter, but there was some time for photography as well. Թ The photography portion of the trip is on its own web page (click on the image below to browse the photos):

Photos from Colorado

After staying in Denver for a few days, we drove to Morrison, CO to see, well, the Morrison Formation – a bunch of late Jurrasic sedimentary rock about 150 million years old. Թ Here’s a road cut on I-70 just before you get to Morrison. Թ Naturally, we had to get out and snap a few pictures. Թ The Rocky Mountains pushed their way through this layer about 80 to 55 million years ago, which is responsible for the slanted layers.

Road cut on I-70 showing the Morrison Formation

Nearby, there is a short road going up and over a ridge named, appropriately, Dinosaur Ridge. Թ Along its path, you find dinosaur footprints and exposed dinosaur bones, along with quite a lot of interesting rocks.

Dino Tracks!

Shale

And some rocks with color!

The last day in Colorado was spent just south of La Junta in Picket Wire Canyon, home of the largest contiguous set of dinosaur prints in the world. Թ The tracks are right next to a small river, and difficult to keep clean because of flooding events, so look online for better pictures. Թ The tour was crowded, so here’s a quick snapshot of some of the tracks with complete strangers!

More Dino Tracks!