A Parking Lot in Colorado Hid Dinosaur Fossils for Millions of Years

Colorado has a fascinating history with dinosaur fossils. It seems as if every year, news breaks of remains of a prehistoric animal being unearthed unexpectedly.

Colorado’s Fossil Ranking Might Surprise You

While Colorado may seem like its ground is filled with creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago, our state isn't even in the top five for dinosaur fossil discoveries. According to USA Today, Colorado ranks 7th as the state with the most dinosaur fossils found.

READ MORE: These Are the 5 Most Common Dinosaur Fossils Found in Colorado

On the western slopes of Colorado, there is a national monument dedicated to those animals that have long since gone extinct and have been covered by the earth. Dinosaur National Monument is a place where visitors can see more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils exposed on the faces of the cliffs in the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Fossils Found Beneath a Parking Lot

Even the parking lot at the Dinosaur National Monument holds secrets that are millions of years old. According to a release from the National Park Service, recent parking lot construction at the Dinosaur National Monument uncovered fossils belonging to a long-neck dinosaur, presumably a Diplodocus, which is common for the bonebed in the area.

READ MORE: Colorado Is Home to a Rare Raptor Track Fossil Site

This is the first fossil excavation at this location in more than 100 years, made possible after asphalt was removed during renovations. Nearly 3,000 pounds of fossils and rock were removed during the excavation that took place between mid-September and mid-October.

 Construction Paused for a Rare Discovery

Construction crews had to halt operations while paleontologists assessed and excavated the fossils. After the fossils were removed, the parking lot and road improvement project was completed, allowing visitors to once again access the monument.