Morrison in Jefferson County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Morrison Fossil Area

National Natural Landmark

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 20, 2010

1. Morrison Fossil Area Marker

Inscription. Morrison Fossil Area
has been designated a

National
Natural Landmark

This site possesses exceptional value
as an illustration of the Nation's natural
heritage and contributes to a better
understanding of the environment
1973
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior

Erected 1973 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Paleontology • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the National Natural Landmarks series list.

Location. 39° 40.708′ N, 105° 11.705′ W. Marker is in Morrison, Colorado, in Jefferson County. Marker is on West Alameda Parkway, 0.1 miles south of Hog Back Road (County Road 93), on the left when traveling south. Marker is located along the Dinosaur Ridge trail, at an interpretive kiosk about 1/10 south of the parking lot and trailhead on Hog Back Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morrison CO 80465, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Late Jurassic Time (a few steps from this marker); Rock Deformation (a few steps from this marker); Brontosaur Bulges

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Theropod Track (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rocky Mountains (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Volcanic Ash (about 400 feet away); Bone Deposition (about 600 feet away); West Alameda Parkway / Dinosaur Ridge (about 600 feet away).

Regarding Morrison Fossil Area. National Natural Landmark (1973), Colorado State Natural Area (2001), Colorado Geological Survey Point of Geological Interest (2006).

Also see . . .
1. Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas. The Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas provide a trail through time for the late Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods that is unparalleled in the western US and unique globally. The sites reveal dinosaur and crocodile bones (four species new to science), bird, dinosaur and other reptile tracks (six species new to science), plant fossils and many other fossil and geological features. (Submitted on September 3, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Dinosaur Ridge (Wikipedia). In 1877, fossil excavation began at Dinosaur Ridge under the direction of paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh. Some of the best-known dinosaurs

2. Morrison Fossil Area Marker

were found here, including Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Allosaurus. In 1973, the area was recognized for its uniqueness as well as its historical and scientific significance when it was designated the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. The rocks on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge are part of the widespread Morrison Formation of Jurassic age. (Submitted on September 3, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Morrison Formation (<i>view from near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 20, 2010

3. Morrison Formation (view from near marker)

Dinosaur Ridge Rock Strata image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 20, 2010

4. Dinosaur Ridge Rock Strata

Dinosaur Footprints image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 20, 2010

5. Dinosaur Footprints

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 3, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.