Around 150 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the area now known as Colorado. Among them was a sauropod, whose movements are preserved in the form of 134 consecutive footprints. These tracks, dating back to the late Jurassic period, represent the world's longest uninterrupted dinosaur trackway and are now available for public and research purposes.
The Site's History and Significance
The footprints are located in Ouray County, which encompasses part of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. The tracks sit in sandstone about 9,300 feet above sea level, marking a rare instance where a dinosaur drastically changed its path. This unique 270-degree turn is unmatched in any other site worldwide, with similar findings recorded only in China and near Moab, Utah.
Recent Developments
Initially owned by the Charles family, who bought the land in 1945 for gold mining, the significance of the indentations—which were often filled with water—was not recognized until 2021. In 2022, the family approached the Forest Service, leading to a purchase of the 27-acre area for $135,000, funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This acquisition includes 106 yards of significant sauropod tracks.
Visitor Information
Visitors can access the tracks by hiking the two-mile Silvershield Trail, which is open to hikers and horseback riders. The Forest Service is enhancing the visitor experience by installing informative signs and creating a dedicated webpage to explain the tracks' importance. The area's rich history predates even the formation of the Rockies, offering a glimpse into the past when these massive creatures wandered through prehistoric landscapes.
