What is Dinosaur Ridge?
[[Image:dinosaur ridge roadcut I-70.jpg|thumb|300px|Roadcut where I-70 cuts through Dinosaur Ridge at Highway 26 exit. The [[strata]] are almost vertical, so the [[Morrison Formation]] (right) underlies the Dakota Formation (left).]] [[Image:Dinosaur Ridge tracks.JPG|thumb|300px|Tracks on Dinosaur Ridge]] '''Dinosaur Ridge''' is part of the [[Morrison Formation]], just west of [[Denver]]. The Dinosaur Ridge area is one of the world's most famous dinosaur fossil [[wikt:locality|localities]]. In 1877, some of the best-known dinosaurs were found here, including ''[[Apatosaurus]]'', ''[[Diplodocus]]'', ''[[Stegosaurus]]'', and ''[[Allosaurus]]''. In 1973, the area was recognized for its uniqueness as well as its historical and scientific significance when it was designated the '''Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark''' by the [[National Park Service]]. In 1989, the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge formed to address increasing concerns regarding the preservation of the site and to offer educational programs on the area's resources. The rocks on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge are part of the widespread Morrison Formation of [[Jurassic]] age. It is in these rocks, where [[Arthur Lakes]] discovered the dinosaur bones in 1877. Fifteen quarries were opened along the Dakota [[hogback]] in the Morrison area in search of these fossils. The rocks on the east side of Dinosaur Ridge are part of the [[Cretaceous]] [[Dakota Formation]]. When Alameda Parkway was being constructed in 1937 to provide access to [[Red Rocks Park]], workers discovered hundreds of dinosaur footprints. These were found to include mostly ''[[Iguanodon]]''-like footprints. Carnivorous [[theropod]] tracks are also present.<ref>{{Cite web|title=10 Tips to Discover Before Visiting Red Rocks|url=https://carscombined.com/blog/en/usa/10-tips-to-discover-before-visiting-red-rocks|access-date=|website=}}</ref> The site features the Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall with displays about the dinosaurs found at the site. Additionally, Dinosaur Ridge has interpre