Garden Park Fossil Area is one of the United States' most prominent paleontological sites for study of dinosaurs during the Late Jurassic Period, actively excavated for more than 120 years. Many of the fossils that have been discovered at the site over the past century are on display at top museums throughout the nation, including Washington, D.C.'s famed Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History and the Denver Museum of Natural History. Late Jurassic mammal and reptile species have also been uncovered at the site, which has been designated as a National Natural Landmark, a Colorado Research Natural Area, and a Bureau of Land Management Area of Critical Environmental Concern. 15 miles of visitor trails are offered at the Oil Well Flats Trail System, which are available for use by hikers, bikers, and campers. 4x4 riders can also use primitive roads contained within the park's Dinosaur Flats area, with areas available for target shooting practice.
3501-3767 Garden Park Rd, Cañon City, CO 81212, Phone: 719-269-8500
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