Discovering Dinosaurs in the American West

As I embarked on a nine-day dinosaur road trip through Utah and Colorado, I felt like I was stepping into a prehistoric world. The journey took me to Red Fleet State Park, where I found a three-toed footprint estimated to be 157 million years old. This discovery marked one of many remarkable moments in my hunt for dinosaur tracks.

Utah and Colorado are rich in fossil discoveries, with numerous museums and laboratory spaces that showcase science happening before our eyes. Many families visit these attractions, sparking their curiosity about dinosaurs and fostering a love for science.

Dinosaur-themed hotels, restaurants, and even roadside attractions have become an integral part of the region’s identity. From Dinosaur Land to the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, this stretch of road takes you on a journey through time. With each stop, I felt like I was connecting with the past, if only for a moment.

The more I traveled, the more I realized that dinosaurs have become an essential part of Western identity. From dinosaur sculptures in community parks to comic-book-style patches on police department uniforms, this fascination is woven into everyday life.

As I explored the Dinosaur National Monument and visited fossil-rich sites like Dinosaur Ridge, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. Walking through the high-desert canyons and layered cliffs, surrounded by ancient fossils, was an experience that grounded me in time.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/interactive/2026/dinosaur-parks-museums-utah-colorado