Triceratops Trail

A free, 1.5-mile gravel trail through a reclaimed clay-mining canyon where 68-million-year-old Triceratops and Tyrannosaur tracks protrude outward from vertical sandstone walls as raised negative casts — the inverse of a normal footprint, as if viewed from below the mud surface — alongside fossilized palm fronds. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 2011, it's one of the only places on Earth where you can see dinosaur tracks this way.

The move: Park free on weekends in Jones Lot A off 19th St, then walk the 1.5-mile loop together, stopping at each interpretive panel to find the "outies" — challenge each other to spot the raised three-toed Tyrannosaur print and the four-toed Triceratops tracks bulging out of the canyon walls. Bring lunch and finish with a cold beer at one of Golden's nearby breweries (Cannonball Creek or Barrels & Bottles are a short drive away).

• 📍 Golden
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Trailhead at Jones Lot A, 19th Street & Jones Road, Golden, CO 80401

Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

Verified 2026-06-07.