Oh, give me a home where the dinosaurs once roamed…yes, I know what you’re thinking: dinosaurs?! That’s right! Once upon a time, the Centennial State was a mecca for dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, and we have footprints and fossils to prove it! One such mystical site where dinosaurs once roamed is that of the Garden Park Fossil Area in Colorado:

Located in Canon City, the Garden Park Fossil Area is an extraordinary site with an equally remarkable history, both prehistoric and semi-modern.
TripAdvisor/Management
Spanning 3,209 acres, the Garden Park Fossil Area has been the location of many dinosaur bone and fossil discoveries, including the first-ever uncovered remains of a Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Ceratosaurus, and Camarasaurus.
Google/Colorado Tourism Office
If you think the discovery of these dinosaurs was exciting, you are correct; however, the story takes several strange turns, as two late 19th century paleontologists fought tooth and nail to find the most remains, resulting in the aptly-named "Bone Wars."
TripAdvisor/Heath G
As the story goes, the two paleontologists were so keen on making the biggest and best discoveries that they went out of their way to sabotage the other, which they did by sneaking spies into the others' crew, bribery, and destroying previously prepared quarries.

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While the paleontologists' acts were unsavory, they weren't without reward, as the area has turned out an incredible 136 new species!
Google/Scott Gooder
Though you may not find too many fossils today, Garden Park is still worth a visit, thanks to not only the area's history but also its resident wildlife, outdoor recreation opportunities, and unique camp spots.
Google/Ketra Summerfield
To learn more about the Garden Park Fossil Area, please visit the Bureau of Land Management's website.
Google/Scott Gooder
The Garden Park Fossil Area is open year-round and can be accessed from Canon City by taking Shelf Road north for 6 miles and pulling off at one of the marked interpretive signs.
Google/Alison Berger

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more to see and do in the area, check out A Terrifying Tour Of This Haunted Prison In Colorado Is Not For The Weak.

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Featured Addresses
Garden Park Fossil Area, 3501-3767 Garden Park Rd, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA