Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Culture and Archaeology on Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway - Colorado

Departure: Dinosaur Welcome Center, Colorado
Destination: Fruita, Colorado
Time to allow: 1 day

Explore a segment of the Colorado section of Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway. Each point offers a new insight into the culture or ancient history of the area.

Day 1

  • Start: Dinosaur Welcome Center

    Stop here for information before you start your trip. The staff are happy to answer any questions you may have, and you'll have access to a number of helpful brochures.

  • Stop 1: Rangely Museum

    From previous stop: 23 minutes / 19 mi (30.4 km)
    Directions:

    Leaving the Dinosaur Welcome Center, drive southeast on CO-64 (Stegosaurus Freeway) for 19 miles. Turn right onto Kennedy Dr. Rangely Museum is located at 150 Kennedy Dr. Rangely, CO
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Visit the Rangely Museum, which displays Native American artifacts and details the pioneer settlement of the region and the area's energy development. Be sure to check out the dinosaur trackway exhibit, one of the museum favorites.

  • Stop 2: Canyon Pintado

    From previous stop: 2 minutes / 0.3 mi (0.5 km)
    Directions:

    Leaving the Rangely Museum, go north for 0.1 miles, then turn right onto CO-64. Take CO-64 east for approximately 0.2 miles, then turn south onto CO-139. Canyon Pintado is along CO-139.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Here, catch a glimpse of old Fremont Indian culture as you drive CO-139. Interpretive panels add detail to the sights. Note the rock art panels, which give modern-day visitors insight into the culture and history of a culture long gone.

  • Stop 3: Colorado National Monument

    From previous stop: 1 hour 5 minutes / 50 mi (80.0 km)
    Directions:

    Take CO-139 south for 42.8 miles. Merge onto I-70 East via the ramp on the left toward Grand Junction and drive for 4.1 miles. Take the CO-340 Exit (Exit 19) toward Fruita and drive for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto CO-340 East and follow for 2.3 miles. Turn slight right onto Rim Rock Drive and follow for 0.2 miles until you arrive at the northwest entrance to Colorado Nat'l Monument.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    At Colorado National Monument, archaeology and Colorado landscape pleasantly mix. Note the grandeur of the cliffs and canyons on the north end of the Uncompahgre Plateau while examining prehistoric Indian rock art preserved for thousands of years.

  • End: Fruita

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 3 mi (4.8 km)
    Directions:

    Leaving Colorado National Monument go north on Rim Rock Drive toward CO-340 for 0.2 miles, then turn left onto CO-340 West and drive for approximately 2.8 miles until you reach Fruita.

    End your trip in the quirky town of Fruita. Though weird and unconventional, the town is a warm place to stop and explore a different kind of culture and grab a bite to eat.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 72.3 miles / 115.7 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours 30 minutes