Fruita Paleo Area

The Fruita Paleo Area features a half‑mile interpretive trail that winds through high‑desert terrain dotted with juniper, sagebrush, and rabbitbrush. The packed dirt path is designed for foot traffic only and offers sweeping views of the Grand Valley and surrounding mesas. Along the way, visitors encounter interpretive panels and artwork that bring the Jurassic world to life.

This site is renowned for its paleontological importance. Fossils discovered here include bones from sauropods like Apatosaurus and Camarasaurus, as well as smaller dinosaurs and other prehistoric species that thrived about 150 million years ago. These finds have helped scientists understand Jurassic ecosystems and the processes that preserved these remains in stone. In addition to fossils, the trail leads to the historic Skinner Cabin, connecting visitors to the human history of early settlement in the region. Together, these features make the Fruita Paleo Area an outdoor museum of both deep geologic time and cultural heritage.

Hours and Seasons

Open year-round.

Features and Services

• Facilities: Interpretive panels and artistic displays along the trail; benches and picnic tables at the trailhead.
• Access and Parking: Gravel lot accommodates cars, trailers, and RVs at the trailhead.
• Cell Service: Generally available, though may be intermittent.
• Toilets: Pit toilets are located at the trailhead parking area.
• Drinking Water: No potable water is available on site – bring your own.
• Pets: Allowed on leash.
• Camping: The trailhead and trail are day-use only. Developed campground are available nearby.
• Nearby Amenities: Fruita and Grand Junction offer full services including lodging, gas, food, and medical facilities.

Respect and Protect

Dinosaur tracks are trace fossils and protected; viewing and photography are welcome, but removing, casting, or defacing vertebrate fossils is prohibited. By practicing responsible outdoor ethics, you help ensure future visitors can enjoy this remarkable site.

From Interstate 70, take the Fruita Exit, go south on Colorado Highway 340 E / Broadway for ~1.5 miles. Turn right onto Kingsview Road, which turns into Horsethief Canyon Road. After ~2.2 miles, the Fruita Paleo Area trailhead will be on your left – watch for signs.