Get ready for a prehistoric world where dinosaurs once roamed – right here in Grand Junction. With Jurassic World: Rebirth hitting the big screen in July 2025, there's no better time to experience the real world of dinosaurs right here in Grand Junction. Museums of Western Colorado offers you the chance to dig for actual dinosaur fossils and explore the incredible prehistoric history etched into our landscape.
Your Own Jurassic Adventure: Dig for Dinosaur Bones!
Photo by: Mollie Shepardson
At the Museums of Western Colorado's Dinosaur Journey Museum, you can become a real paleontologist and dig for dinosaur bones! Both staff and guests make discoveries more often than you might think. An eight-year-old unearthed an entire dinosaur skull! Test out your luck and head out on a dino dig.
For 2025, Museums of Western Colorado is offering 41 dig opportunities led by paleontology professionals across different sites, but the core experience happens at the famous Mygatt-Moore Quarry. This site is one of the most fossil-abundant Jurassic dinosaur locations in Colorado, and it's incredibly accessible!
Choose Your Mygatt-Moore Dig Experience (June 4 - September 12, 2025):
Photo by: Mollie Shepardson
These digs begin at the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, the town right next door to Grand Junction. Space is limited to 12 participants per dig, ensuring personalized guidance from paleontologists. These digs often sell out, so booking early is highly recommended.
- Half-Day Dig:
- Perfect For: Beginners and families (minimum age: 5, with adult).
- Cost: $115 per person.
- Time: 8:00 am (Orientation) - approx. 12:30 pm (Return & Lab Tour).
- Difficulty: Easy. No hiking needed, but expect sun, bugs, and rocky ground (shade tent provided).
- What to expect: Focus on fieldwork in the cooler morning hours. Learn excavation techniques and search for fossils of giants like Apatosaurus and the carnivore Allosaurus. Includes expert guidance, tools, water, Gatorade, transport to/from the quarry.
- The dig wraps up with a fascinating Dinosaur Journey Paleo Lab tour back at the museum.
- Bring: Wide-brimmed hat, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, camera, bug spray. Long pants are recommended.
- Full-Day Dig:
- Perfect For: Those wanting a more immersive experience (minimum age: 7, with adult).
- Cost: $175 per person.
- Time: 8:00 am (Orientation) - approx. 3:30 pm (Return & Lab Tour).
- Difficulty: Easy. No hiking needed, but expect sun, bugs, and rocky ground (shade tent provided).
- What to expect: Get a full day of digging for Jurassic dinosaurs! Includes training, tools, guidance, water, Gatorade, and transport as the Half-Day, plus a picnic lunch is provided at the quarry site.
- The dig wraps up with a fascinating Dinosaur Journey Paleo Lab tour back at the museum.
- Bring: Wide-brimmed hat, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, camera, bug spray. Long pants are recommended.
Ready to join us? See the full schedule and reserve your spot here!
More Than Just Digs: Explore Museums of Western Colorado
Your adventure doesn't stop at the quarry! Museums of Western Colorado offers three distinct experiences:
- Museum of the West: Journey through the dynamic human history of Western Colorado. From Indigenous cultures to pioneers and modern development, this museum brings to life the stories of the people who shaped this region. Catch captivating traveling exhibitions in 2025: "Ute Legacies," focusing on Ute leadership (through Summer 2025), and "Gear Up!," a STEM-based look at the history and science of bicycles (Fall 2025).
- Cross Orchards Historic Site: Step back in time to the Grand Junction area’s agricultural past at this remarkable living history museum. Once one of the largest apple orchards in the region, Cross Orchards preserves the story of early 20th-century farm life. Explore beautifully preserved historic buildings, including the historic barn and bunkhouse, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the summer and early fall season, don't miss the bustling Saturday Farmer's Market, typically running from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, offering local produce and maker products right on site. Experience farm history and a taste of the flavors offered by Cross Orchards!
Photo by: Zebulon Miracle
- Dinosaur Journey Museum: This museum brings the ancient world of the Colorado Plateau to life and it's not just for kids! The interactive exhibits, like animatronic dinosaurs, are a huge hit! You'll find fascinating fossils discovered locally, learn from informed docents, and see the labs where fossil discoveries are cleaned and studied. This summer, don't miss the special traveling exhibition, "A Look Inside." Dinosaur Journey also offers sensory-friendly experiences and backpacks for guests, ensuring everyone can comfortably enjoy the museum.
Guided Trips & Expert Insights
Photo by: Mollie Shepardson
Beyond the digs and museum exhibits, Museums of Western Colorado offers 15 expert-led guided trips, tours, and lab experiences throughout the year. Explore regional geology, history, and nature with seasoned professionals. Check the Museums of Western Colorado website for the latest trip schedule and details!
Watch the new Jurassic World: Rebirth
Dig for dinos in the daytime and watch the new movie in the evening to round out a dino-filled day! Snack on some popcorn and candy, and relax at Regal Canyon View theater for this action-packed movie. If you are inclined to recline, watch in comfort at Picture Show Entertainment. The entire theater has luxury seating with electric powered reclining seats including an elevating footrest.
For other family fun, check out this list of Things to Do with Kids in Grand Junction and learn more about the Museum of the West, Cross Orchards, and Dinosaur Journey Museum.
For more ways to experience Grand Junction’s adventures, check out the Official Grand Junction Adventure Guide.