20 Attractions to Explore Near Dinosaur Ridge

Matthews/Winters Park, which is part of the Jefferson County Open Space system, is proof that you do not have to go far from the city to enjoy the mountains. You can explore the old headstones along the Village Walk. A creek weaves through the park, feeding the fragrant wild plums and willows. The trails are not too difficult, though the Morrison Slide is a bit of a climb.

Green Mountain is a mesa on the eastern flank of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 6,854-foot mesa summit is located in William Frederick Hayden Park in the City of Lakewood, Colorado, United States, 4.0 miles west of the municipal center of Lakewood in Jefferson County.

William Frederick Hayden Park, aka Green Mountain, is more than 2400 acres of open space, making it the second largest in Lakewood.The park cover the area of over 2,400 acres and its amazing atmosphere attracts thousands of tourists who enjoy spending time outdoors exploring the wonders of local nature. Located on the high mountain with elevation up to 6,800 feet, the park offers absolutely outstanding views to the neighboring territory, along with cool clean air and amazing ambience.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an open-air amphitheatre built into a rock structure in the western United States, near Morrison, Colorado, ten miles west of Denver. There is a large, tilted, disc-shaped rock behind the stage, a huge vertical rock angled outwards from stage right, several large outcrops angled outwards from stage left and a seating area for up to 9,525.

Red Rocks Park is a mountain park in Jefferson County, Colorado, owned and maintained by the city of Denver as part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. The park is known for its very large red sandstone outcrops. Many of these rock formations within the park have names, from the mushroom-shaped Seat of Pluto to the inclined Cave of the Seven Ladders.

Colorado Hall of Fame’s museum is an ideal place to bring the entire family or out-of-town guests to learn about the talented men, women, and institutions that have shaped the culture of Colorado’s music history. It is home to exhibits of famous Colorado musicians such as John Denver, Dianne Reeves, Dan Fogelberg, Philip Bailey, and Judy Collins, as well as institutions like the legendary Caribou Ranch recording studio and many more.

Bandimere Speedway sits at the foothills of the Rockies on the West side of the Metro Denver area. The track was established in 1958 by John Bandimere, Sr. as a way to augment his performance parts businesses in Denver, as well as have an opportunity to instruct youth on the automobile. The track has several quirks that make it unique within the NHRA's schedule of events. The track is also the only NHRA sanctioned track with a downhill staging area, and uphill shut down strip.

Mount Morrison is one of the most prominent peaks of Denver's Front Range and the metro area.Its North Face is a spectacular sight when viewed from US395 near the Mammoth airport. The rock in this area is noted for it's superb coloring in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, and brown. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is located on the eastern side of the mountain. It is one of the iconic lcaotion where you can spend some beautiful time and a good trek too.

The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum is the region's only museum dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the art of quilting.The permanent collection contains over 800 quilts dating back to the 19th century. The museum is also home to the Sandra Dallas Library and a gift shop.

Apex Trail lies Just minutes away from the city, lies a nice respite from the Metro- a 3.30-mile greenway type trail gaining up to 1,500 feet in elevation. It was designated as one of America’s prized national recreation trails in 1978, Apex Trail continues to awe various bikers, runners, and hikers alike on its spectacular singletrack moderate difficulty trail.

The Morrison Natural History Museum is a natural history museum located in Morrison, Colorado. The exhibits include several dinosaur fossils that were found nearby. Hands-on exhibits are designed to appeal to both children and adults, scientists and non-scientists.Notable displays include skulls of Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, and Tylosaurus, remains of skeletons of Stegosaurus and Pteranodon, and infant dinosaur tracks. Live reptiles and amphibians are also on display.

Mount Falcon Park is full of scenic vistas and historic sites with several trails that wind through the parks open meadows and forested hillsides. While the views of the mountains from below are breathtaking on a clear day, the view from Mount Falcon Park, just outside the town of Morrison offers spectacular views in the other direction.

Bear Creek Lake Park is a 2600 acre Open Space Park managed by the City of Lakewood. The park contains a swim beach; marina with boat rentals; a 47 site campground; horseback riding stables; 15 miles of multiple use trails; water ski school; picnic shelters; an archery range and three lakes.The park Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the park, and a variety of ranger programs are offered throughout the year.

Bear Creek Dam is a dam on the confluence of Bear Creek and Turkey Creek within the city limits of Lakewood, Colorado, constructed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control to the greater Denver Metropolitan Area.There are several miles of multiple-use trails to explore on foot, bicycle or horseback, a Visitor Center featuring displays and Naturalist Programs, a swim beach and marina with boat rentals, and a 47 site campground with electrical hook ups.

South Table Mountain is a mesa on the eastern flank of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. It offers visitors numerous trails, interesting wildlife, and great activities for the whole family. Colorado has no shortage of incredible mountains and other outdoor beauties, but this park is one-of-a-kind and loved by locals and visitors alike.

Lair o’ the Bear Park is a favorite of Open Space visitors and families due to its abundance of picnic tables and proximity to Bear Creek for fishing. Once at the park you’ll find great hiking trail options, the cool water of bear creek, great parking, and some good picnic spots. There are open areas as well as shade.

Lookout Mountain Park is a Denver Mountain Park located around 12 miles west of downtown Denver overlooking Golden, Colorado. It consists of 65.7 acres of evergreen wilderness atop Lookout Mountain, named for its being a favored lookout point of the native Ute Indian tribe. Lookout Mountain Park is the burial site of the internationally famous western frontiersman William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lookout Mountain is a foothill on the eastern flank of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is known for its natural scenery and has played a major role in area recreation, transportation, water supply and telecommunications. The summit is famous as the gravesite of William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody and has several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, located in Lookout Mountain Park, is open 7 days a week.The gravesite and park are open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The Buffalo Bill Museum, a facility owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, uses artifacts to tell the story of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his internationally known Wild West show. The museum observation deck has spectacular views of Golden and Denver.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center promotes conservation of Jefferson County's open spaces through educational programs and exhibits. Interactive exhibits take visitors on a tour of the flora and fauna of the foothills ecosystem. Kids enjoy a hands-on play room & observation room.The Nature Center offers free naturalist-led programs in every season for individuals, families, and schools and groups.