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Fire Restrictions in effect
Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Charcoal fires are permitted only in provided grills in the campground and picnic areas. No wood fires. Gas stoves are permitted only in campground and picnic areas. All fireworks are prohibited.
New Fossils Discovered at Colorado National Monument
NPS Photo This three-toed dinosaur track was discovered by an employee in late September at Colorado National Monument. It is left to be determined whether the track was left by a plant or meat-eating dinosaur. Dinosaur Track 
Michelle Wheatley, Chief of Interpretation, displays the three-toed dinosaur track during the unveiling on October 13, 2010. Fossil Unveiling 
Sally Bellacqua It is possible the track was left by a plant-eating dinosaur similar to Othnielia, pictured above. Othnielia 
Sally Bellacqua This sandstone slab from the Morrison Formation contains several sets of turtle tracks. Paleontologists estimate that the tracks are 150 million years old. The tracks were discovered in 2005, and were recently recovered after breaking off a small cliff band. Ancient Turtle Tracks 
NPS Photo The "turtle trackway" will be housed in this temporary exhibit at the Visitor Center until December 31, 2010. Turtle Exhibit 
NPS photo On a recent outing in Colorado National Monument Dr. John Foster, a paleontologist from Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, CO, found these lizard tracks on a piece of sandstone from the Morrison Formation. This trackway is the first of its kind in the Morrison Formation. Latest Fossil Finding 
NPS Photo Dr. John Foster showcases his latest discovery, a lizard trackway in sandstone from the Morrison Formation. Dr. John Foster |
Did You Know?
With a large head and powerful jaws, the collared lizard is a carnivore. If you wonder why this lizard will hang around long enough for you to take its picture, know that the lizard is protecting its territory! More...