Travel Itineraries
Museums, Picnics, and Walking with the Dinosaurs
History Lovers' Leisure Tour
One Day Itinerary
Discover the incredible paleontological treasures of Cañon City on this family-friendly, educational adventure. Garden Park Fossil Area has supplied many of the Jurassic dinosaurs displayed at the Smithsonian, making this one of the most significant dinosaur discovery sites in North America.
This leisurely one-day itinerary combines outdoor exploration at authentic fossil sites with indoor museum experiences, offering the perfect balance of adventure and education. Ideal for families with children, school groups, or anyone fascinated by the age of dinosaurs.
About Garden Park Fossil Area
Located just north of Cañon City on Shelf Road, Garden Park is a 3,600-acre area that has been producing significant dinosaur fossils for nearly 125 years. Most Jurassic dinosaurs displayed at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History originated from this site, including three complete Stegosaurus skeletons - one of which is Colorado's state fossil.
Dinosaur Discovery Day
| 7:30 am - 8:30 am |
Breakfast in Cañon City
Start your day with breakfast at a local café before your outdoor adventure |
| 9:15 am - 11:30 am |
Garden Park Fossil Area
Located on Shelf Road north of Cañon City Walk with the DinosaursWhat You'll Experience:
Important: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats. The area is exposed with limited shade. Pack snacks or a picnic lunch. Note: Fossil collecting is prohibited in Garden Park. Admire and photograph fossils in place to preserve this irreplaceable scientific resource. |
| 11:30 am - 12:30 pm |
Lunch in Historic Downtown Cañon City
Return to town for lunch at one of the many downtown restaurants, or enjoy your picnic lunch before continuing |
| 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm |
Museum Afternoon
Museum of Colorado PrisonsTour the state's first women's prison and discover Colorado's fascinating correctional history. See cells, exhibits, and artifacts from over a century of prison operations. Royal Gorge Regional MuseumHoused in the city's original 1920s municipal building, explore the rich history of the Royal Gorge Region and discover genealogy resources covering over 4,000 regional families. Location: 612 Royal Gorge Blvd The Dino Depot CollectionIn 2013, the delicate dinosaur casts, hefty bones, and large petrified tree from the former Dinosaur Depot Museum found a new home at the Royal Gorge Regional History Center at 612 Royal Gorge Blvd. These carefully preserved specimens connect directly to the fossils you saw at Garden Park. |
Perfect For
- Families with children of all ages
- School field trips and educational groups
- Paleontology enthusiasts
- Geology students
- Anyone fascinated by dinosaurs
Educational Value
- See actual excavation sites
- Learn about the Jurassic Period
- Understand fossil formation
- Connect outdoor sites with museum specimens
- Explore paleontological methods
Map & Directions
