Around 150 million years ago, a long-necked dinosaur, reportedly, roamed around what is now Colorado. It is said that at some point, the creature veered, executing a wide, 270-degree turn.
Today, one can see the sauropod’s 134 continuous footprints, dating back to the late Jurassic period, constitute the largest uninterrupted dinosaur trackway globally and are now federally protected for public and research access. It will seem like stepping back in time.
The acquisition of three parcels of land in Ouray County, Colorado was announced by the United States Forest Service last week. Among these parcels, totaling 27 acres, are two that include the 106 yards of sauropod tracks, referred to as the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Track site.
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Situated just west of Ouray, a small town nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, these fossilised footprints, embedded in sandstone approximately 9,300 ft above sea level, represent one of the rare instances of a dinosaur significantly altering its course. While similar occurrences have been documented in China and near Moab, Utah, this newly safeguarded site stands as the only intact example of a turn exceeding 180 degrees.
In 1945, the Charles family acquired the land in pursuit of gold. Not until 2021 did they realise the shallow indentations, often filled with water, were left by a dinosaur.
In 2022, the family approached the Forest Service to discuss the agency’s interest in purchasing the land. Now, two years later, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests have acquired the land from the Charles Real Estate Trust for $135,000, utilising funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
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Reports add that public access to the footprints will be available via the existing Silvershield Trail, a steep two-mile route open to hikers and horseback riders. The Forest Service aims to enhance the site with signage, interpretive information, and a dedicated webpage highlighting the significance of the sauropod footprints.
Sauropods, massive herbivores with long necks and tails, were the largest dinosaurs, reaching lengths of about 100 feet. During their time in what is now Colorado, the towering peaks of the Rockies had yet to form.
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Despite previously being on private land, the tracks became partially exposed over time, allowing visitors to capture glimpses and share them online. Local residents likely knew about the tracks much earlier. Rick Trujillo, a co-author of a paper about the site, discovered them in the late 1950s as a youngster. Ultimately, Trujillo informed the Charles family of the tracks’ significance once he learned they owned the property.
“The family is pleased to offer this unique trackway to the US Forest Service, ensuring the land is protected and enjoyed by future generations,” says Anita McDonald, whose grandfather initially purchased the land.
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