Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time and Mygatt‑Moore Quarry | Colorado

The Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time begins at the Mygatt‑Moore Quarry, where visitors can view active dinosaur fossil excavations during certain times of the year. The quarry is accessible and family-friendly, with detailed interpretive panels that explain the science of the site – even when excavations are not underway. Paleontologists sometimes lead community tours and digs at the quarry – contact Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey Museum for details.

For those who want to explore further, a 1.5‑mile loop trail extends beyond the quarry into classic high‑desert terrain with juniper and sagebrush. Along the trail, additional interpretive signs highlight in‑place dinosaur bones, fossilized plants, and panoramic views of Rabbit Valley.  

This site is celebrated for its paleontological richness. Fossils preserved here include bones from sauropods such as Diplodocus, Camarasaurus, and Apatosaurus, armored dinosaurs like Mymoorapelta, and predators such as Allosaurus. Plant fossils, including carbonized wood and cycads, also appear in the mudstone, which formed in a seasonal watering-hole environment that alternated between muddy pools and harsh desert during the Jurassic period. Interpretive panels explain excavation techniques, fossilization processes, and the importance of protecting this Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Hours and Seasons

Open year-round.  

Features and Services

• Facilities: The trail has interpretive signs, benches, and shaded kiosks.
• Access and Parking: The gravel parking lot near the trailhead accommodates cars and small trailers.
• Cell Service: Limited or intermittent.
• Toilets: Pit toilets are available at the parking lot.
• Drinking Water: There is no potable water – please bring your own.
• Pets: Allowed on leash.
• Camping: The trailhead and trail are day-use only. Established BLM campgrounds are available just to the south in Rabbit Valley. Dispersed camping is also allowed in the surrounding area – please check local regulations in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property.
• Nearby Amenities: Fruita and Grand Junction offer full services including lodging, gas, food, and medical facilities. 

Respect and Protect

Dinosaur fossils are 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.