As a Colorado implant, I’m constantly learning new things about this beautiful state. During my summer visit to Dinosaur Ridge, I learned that Colorado’s state dinosaur is the Stegosaurus. According to the Colorado State Archives, this designation was made official in 1982 by Governor Richard D. Lamm.

The Stegosaurus weighed roughly the weight of 10 small cars and had a walnut-sized brain! This is the epitome of what my fiancée thinks of me. Most people differentiate the Stegosaurus from other dinosaurs by its mohawk-like triangular plates along its back. “Stegosaurus” actually means “roofed lizard” in Greek, as stated by the National Park Service.

Morrison, Colorado is the site of the first Stegosaurus fossil discovery in the world. Morrison is home to Dinosaur Ridge and most commonly known for its Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 

Visit Dinosaur Ridge: https://dinoridge.org/visit-dinosaur-ridge/plan-your-visit/