Golden in Jefferson County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Triceratops Trail
Based on Late Cretaceous fossil evidence found along this trail, this area was a delta with lakes, streams and a mosaic of swamps, scrubby forests, palm tree thickets and small open areas. Impressions of logs, leaves and palm fronds suggest a warm, humid climate similar to that of the Gulf Coast today.
Animals in this painting include: Triceratops protecting her young from Tyrannosaurus rex, a wading bird, and a mammal clinging to a tree stump.
This is North America at the time the Laramie Formation was being deposited about 68 million years ago. A shallow seaway was receding from the interior of the continent. The future state of Colorado is highlighted.
Erected by The Greater Denver Area Gem and Mineral Council, the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, and the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Paleontology.
Location. 39° 44.591′ N, 105° 13.276′ W. Marker is in Golden, Colorado, in Jefferson County. Marker is on 6th Avenue (U.S. 6) half a mile south of 19th Street, on the right when traveling north. The Triceratops Trail marker is located on the Bike Path south of Jones Road and Prospect Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Golden CO 80401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bird Track (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Triceratops Tracks (about 500 feet away); Palm Fronds (about 500 feet away); Stop 7: Laramie Formation (68 mya) Clay Pits Fault, Fire Clay Mining, Reclamation (approx. 0.7 miles away); White Ash Mine Disaster (approx. 0.7 miles away); Stop 7a: White Ash Mine (approx. 0.7 miles away); Colorado School Of Mines (approx. ¾ mile away); The Astor House (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Golden.
Also see . . .
1. Triceratops. (Submitted on December 13, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
2. Cretaceous Period. (Submitted on December 13, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 8 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 13, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.