Jason is standing in front of a section of sandstone that is riddled with ripple marks. It is believed that dinosaurs left footprints in the crust and the water eroded much of the crust around the tracks over time. It is interesting that the ripples at this site were all in smaller areas, seeming to corroborate their thinking.Jason finally got to see real dinosaur footprints. He asked why the animals seemed to be climbing up but we explained that during the dinosaur period, this area was flat and sandy, covered with shallow water. Over time the sand solidified and lifted as the Rockies were formed.This is the footprint of a large Ornithopod.Here a Theropod track is surrounded by the much larger Ornithopod.Ripple marks are common in the sandstone of the Dakota group. These indicate a shallow water environment with a sandy bottom. At one time all of Colorado was underwater. This is hard to imagine when you are looking at the nearby Rocky Mountain Range.Jason + Rock formation = climbing opportunities. We had to discourage him a little bit, but we did take a hike to the top of the hill on the Dakota Ridge Trail, which spans the length of the Matthews/Winters Park.The surface was distorted millions of years ago, when the ocean bed slowly became part of the Rocky Mountains. The tremendous pressures that were exerted caused these “curvy” sediment layers.Looking across the valley you can see the distinct remnants of a glacial moraine.This is the footprint of a very large dinosaur, left in the mud of the time. You are looking up at the bottom of the footprint. The material below the footprint collapsed and/or eroded away long ago exposing the underside of the footprint.This boulder was discovered in 1935 during roadbed construction and is now located beside the trail. Jason is pointing to the footprint of an Ornithopod. Ornithopods were large, carnivorous and date from the Jurassic period. It was getting later in the afternoon, so we saw this potential photo opportunity and took it on the way back down the hill.
Thanks Dave. We (I) may try to do a double 14er Monday. I am still sore everywhere from the last one . . . Jason is seeing a lot, I hope he has at least a little retention.
Travelling with the Schinglers 
You sure are building some great memories! Wow! I have never seen dinosaurs footprints!
Happy 4th!!
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You sure are building some great memories! Wow! I have never seen dinosaurs footprints!
Happy 4th!!
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Great information and pictures Steve. Jason couldn’t have better teachers then you and Cathy.
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Thanks Dave. We (I) may try to do a double 14er Monday. I am still sore everywhere from the last one . . . Jason is seeing a lot, I hope he has at least a little retention.
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