Town Council Meeting June 25, 2024

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Our Mission

It is the mission of the Town of Dinosaur to encourage tourism, to foster economic development, to promote a sense of community and to provide to its citizens with not only the necessary basic services, but also to provide amenities and services which enhance public safety and a higher quality of life.

About The Town of Dinosaur

In the farthest Northwest corner of Colorado, sitting quietly beneath the looming Blue Mountain Range, amid golden fields, cattle ranches and sweeping vistas, you will find tiny Dinosaur, Colorado, home to only 339 residents. Here, one can close their eyes and easily imagine the prehistoric titans of long ago roaming the largely unchanged landscape, beneath a uniquely western sky.  The peacefulness of our historic, old west town will fill your soul with longing for the past, respect for the present and an appetite for adventure!  Originally established Dec 9th, 1947, as the Town of Artesia, Dinosaur, changed its name in 1966 to capitalize on the ever-increasing popularity of the Dinosaur National Monument, conveniently located just two miles east of the Town of Dinosaur. It’s true, dinosaurs once roamed here, but make no bones about it…. there are NO Dinosaur bones located on the Colorado side of the Monument. Continue Reading

Why Dinosaur ?

We love our corner of the state and we think you will too. We knew it would help if you had one more reason to stick around and experience our unique community nestled in the tracks of the dinosaurs. We neighbor the beautiful canyon lands of the Dinosaur National Monument in our big back yard.

Visit one of the most gorgeously rugged places in the world when you plan your stay in Dinosaur Colorado. Within minutes of the Colorado entrance to Dinosaur National Monument, spectacular views from Blue Mountain, miles and miles of places to go in your OHV’s, there’s something for everyone!

 Originally established in 1947 as the Town of Artesia, Dinosaur changed its name in 1966 due to the popularity of Dinosaur National Monument. There are many impressive landscapes in Dinosaur National Monument including “The Little Grand Canyon,” “Echo Park” and “The Gates of Lodore.” If stargazing within the International Dark Sky Park, whitewater rafting, hiking, and camping are some of your favorite past times, Dinosaur is for you. 

 Colorado’s Great Northwest is a sportsman’s paradise and is home to the 2nd largest elk population, 1st largest deer population and 1st largest pronghorn population in the state. Dinosaurs are long gone in this area, but sportsman, tourists, and locals enjoy spotting and photographing astounding bull elk and other wildlife. 

 Exploring the streets of Brontosaurus Boulevard and Stegosaurus Freeway is a treat! Beautification efforts in 2023 included two murals, flowerpots, banners and town signage. Bedrock Depot is a must for homemade ice-cream and deli sandwiches on hot summer afternoons. Beer, burgers, and conversation can be found at Highway Bar and Grill. The T-Rex Bedrock Inn and Stoneage Stay Casitas are being remodeled by new owners. Longs Hideout RV Park is available for camping needs for short and long stays. When looking to make Dinosaur your home or purchase land look to Elk Mountain Reality. Other indulgences can be found at any of the four dispensaries and at Christie’s Liquor. 

In April the local Fire department hosted its Easter community event with a delicious pancake breakfast in the park and Easter egg hunt. Local police disguised as dinosaurs where seen chasing children in the park. Our Artesia Fire Department looks forward to bingo, and other events at the firehouse later this year.

 Dinosaurs and people alike enjoyed the 2nd annual Dinosaur Stone Age Stampede in September 2023. We had a vision to bring the town of Dinosaur together to have a good time, and I would say we accomplished our goal, and then some. What made this event special was seeing the whole community, and many visitors from nearby towns and states come together not only to celebrate, but to pitch in anywhere where help was needed. There was a little something for everyone to enjoy, whether it was finding a new trinket at a craft booth, noshing on some tasty barbecue or dancing the night away under the stars during the live music. Mayor Richard Blakley commented, “This is a dream come true for me.” Dinosaur Stone Age Stampede added in 2023 a new family adventure, HOV poker run!

We are open Monday - Friday

9-12 and 1-5 excluding holidays.

New Year's Day - January 1Labor Day - September 2
President's Day - February 19Veteran's Day - November 11
Memorial Day - May 27Thanksgiving - November 28 & 29
Independence Day - July 4Christmas - December 24 & 25

UTILITY PAYMENTS CAN BE DROPPED OFF IN THE DROP-BOX

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Dinosaur Business Directory

 

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Dinosaur National Monument Entrance Sign

DNM

Dinosaurs once roamed here. Their fantastic remains are still visible embedded in the rocks.

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Plug Hat Picnic Area

Plug Hat

Perched atop an outcropping of Entrada sandstone, the Plug Hat Butte Picnic Area offers a perfect getaway from the busier side of the park.

Harpers Corner Picnic Table with a view
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Harpers Corner

Take the time to relax and picnic at one of numerous overlooks.

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Canyon Overlook

CANYON Overlook

Harper's Corner Road in Dinosaur National Monument goes through landscapes with never ending views.

 


Map of Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway - Colorado Leg

DINOSAUR DIAMOND SCENIC BYWAY

PINTADO (PAINTED) CANYON

SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST SIGNIFICANT DINOSAUR FOSSIL QUARRIES AND MUSEUMS ARE CLUSTERED ALONG THE DINOSAUR DIAMOND, IN THE MIDST OF A FORBIDDING BUT STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE....

DON'T MISS A 1000-YEAR-OLD KOKOPELLI PICTOGRAPH AT MM 55.5 ON HWY 139 

PULL OVER AT THE KOKOPELLI SIGN TO VIEW !

Kokopelli Pictograph in Pintado Canyon

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Images compliments of www.ColoradoDirectory.com and https://www.gjhikes.com