Dinosaurs are a big deal here in Colorado. There are several species of dinosaur whose remains were first discovered here in the Rocky Mountain State. Among those is the triceratops. The first specimen was discovered near Denver in 1887. So, there are many sites for dinosaur enthusiasts to discover here in the Denver area, including Triceratops Trail in Golden.
This simple little trail is just 1.5 miles long, out and back. It's nestled in a little stretch of land between US 6 and a golf course east of downtown Golden. The trail winds around some large sandstone walls that feature several bits of evidence left by the previous inhabitants of this region.
The most exciting features are bulges in the rock that show the footprints of a triceratops. Now, these are bulges because you're actually seeing the bottom side of where the creature stepped. So, it's the opposite of what you would usually imagine when thinking about a "footprint." Imprints left by ancient palm fronds can also be spotted in the rocks. The site is similar to the nearby Dinosaur Ridge. Triceratops Trail joined Dinosaur Ridge as a National Natural Landmark in 2011. However, at Dinosaur Ridge you either need to pay for the shuttle up the ridge or endure a strenuous uphill walk. Triceratops Trail is an "easy" hike by all standards.
Since we got some springlike temperatures for the first weekend of February, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to check out this spot that I had never visited before. Snow is coming tomorrow, they say.
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