We Bet You Didn’t Know That Colorado Is Home To One Of The Longest Dinosaur Track Sites In The World

If you had a fascination with dinosaurs when you were a kid and have seen all of the Jurassic Park movies you may think that dinos lived not only long ago but also far away. If you are a Colorado native, however, you know this is not the case, as our state is home to several exciting dinosaur sites, including that of the longest dinosaur track site in the WORLD. Can you imagine thousands of dinosaurs in Colorado roaming freely?

Welcome to the one-of-a-kind Picketwire Canyon!

Also known as the Purgatory River Track Site, the area contains a whopping 100 trackways and another 1,500 individual footprints, making it the longest-recorded site in the world.

Unlike other dinosaur track sites in Colorado with hard-to-decipher footprints, the tracks at Picketwire Canyon are easy to make out, making for a truly unique experience.

In addition to the dinosaur tracks, Picketwire Canyon is also home to fossils, as well as artifacts and pictographs from the early Native Americans and settlers.

Please note: The hike to the track site can be grueling, so bring lots of water and plan for extreme heat during the summer months.

Be sure to try out AllTrails+ so you can stay on the trail and find current conditions before you head out.

This unique site is a fun adventure that you should definitely plan for on your next trip to Colorado.

Picketwire Canyon is located near La Junta and can be accessed by taking CO Hwy 109 south for 13 miles, turning right (west) on Forest Service Road 2200 for 8 miles, left (south) on County Road 25 for 6 miles, then another left (east) onto FSR 2185 for 3.2 miles.

What do you think, is this one of the coolest discoveries in Colorado? While there may not be any true dinosaurs in Colorado, (that we know of) it is fun to imagine the world as it was when they ruled the earth.

For even more prehistoric fun around the Centennial State, check out these incredible sites in Colorado that transport you back to the days of the dinosaurs. Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/colorado/incredible-dinosaur-sites-co/

Another fascinating place to enjoy archaeology in Colorado is in the historic Mesa Verde National Park. Take a look at the ancient Pueblo Cliff Dwellings in this quick video: