Morrison Is a Charming Mountain Town That Blends Live Music, Ancient Fossils, and Epic Hiking Trails
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The best things to do in Morrison, Colorado include watching a sunset at Red Rocks Amphitheater and seeing dinosaur footprints. With so much nature, history, and entertainment, you’ll never be far from adventure.
Morrison, Colorado, is a small town of just under 400 people. However, it’s only a few minutes from Denver, a big city with over 700,000 people.
For a small town, Morrison packs impressive destinations and experiences. You can experience everything from mountain biking to watching horses parade up Bear Creek Avenue. You’re also under an hour away from epic skiing in the Colorado Rockies at locations such as Echo Mountain.
To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve compiled 12 must-do activities in Morrison based on local insights, traveler reviews, and expert recommendations. Below are the 12 top things to experience in Morrison, Colorado.
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Highlights at a Glance
See a Show at Red Rock Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of nature’s only natural amphitheaters, with perfect acoustics. It was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Since then, it has become one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations.
Besides architecture fanatics, it also attracted musicians and music lovers for its perfect acoustics and dreamy setting. When you attend a show there, you’ll be at over 6,450 feet. There are almost 10,000 seats to choose from.
Throughout the warmer months, major musicians come to perform. Watch your favorite artists play surrounded by stunning red rock formations. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Read also: Beautiful Neighborhoods in the US
See Dinosaur Tracks on Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is a paleontologist’s dream destination, no matter how old you are. It was a popular hunting ground for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe before the professor Arthur Lakes found fossils on the ridge in 1876. Then, in 1937, researchers found extensive dinosaur tracks.
Since that discovery, Dinosaur Ridge has become a major destination for people of all ages. You’ll get to visit and take private tours to learn about the site.
There are hundreds of fossils and dinosaur prints to see up close. You’ll see fossils and prints from species such as Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, and Stegosaurus.
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Dine on Southwest Cuisine
Colorado has been at the crossroads of American, Mexican, Spanish, and indigenous food cultures. It’s all here, from traditional grilled wild game over smoky firewood to contemporary classics.
One of the best places to try Colorado’s Southwest cuisine in Morrison is at The Fort. This classic restaurant serves classic dishes made from local wild game and vegetables.
Downtown Morrison has various restaurants and bars, including the popular Red Rocks Beer Garden. Come hungry and spend the day sampling as much as possible, including the local Colorado-style pizza!
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Experience Adventures in Bear Creek Lake Park
Bear Creek Lake Park has endless natural areas to explore. There are endless webs of trails to hike in. Plus, it has incredible fishing in Bear Creek Lake.
If you like camping, you can book a site near the lakes and creek. You can see wild animals walking around the space, including coyotes and rabbits.
After relaxing on the lakes or hiking, try a round of golf at Fox Hollow Golf Course near the park. Although you’re under an hour from Denver, you’ll feel like you’re in another part of the world.
Read also: US State Parks That Are Perfect for Camping
Visit the Morrison Natural History Museum
The Morrison Natural History Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the region’s natural history. It has a huge collection of dinosaur bones, artifacts, and educational exhibits for the whole family.
The museum hosts tours and special displays of the many scientific discoveries in the area. You’ll see everything from apatosaurus bones to the skulls of woolly mammoths.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts fossil digs in the nearby mountains and valleys. Contact them ahead of time to choose an expedition. You’ll learn a ton about the region’s prehistoric history and maybe find bones yourself!
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Drive the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway
The Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway is a 40-mile stretch of highway that takes you through dramatic landscapes. You’ll drive for two hours and stop at old mining towns such as Idledale.
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Drive past the impressive Lookout Mountain. Then, stop in the towns of Golden and Evergreen. You’ll see wildlife and impressive views of the Rockies. You can even see Denver in the distance.
If you love hiking, there are tons of epic hiking trails along the byway. There are trails for every level of hiker. The byway is one of only 13 scenic byways in Colorado.
Read also: Beautiful Hiking Trails in the US
Enjoy the Local Ski Slopes
Morrison is close to some of Colorado’s best ski slopes. You’re under an hour or two from spots such as Echo Mountain.
Other epic destinations include the famous slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort. This epic resort is home to five peaks and 187 trails. There are highly challenging black diamond trails and beginner-friendly trails made for us mortals.
If downhill isn’t your thing, you can explore Morrison’s trails with cross-country skis. The hiking trails transform in winter into fantastic cross-country trails.
Read also: US Destinations for an Unforgettable Ski Trip
Drive into Denver
Denver, Colorado, is under an hour away. If you’re staying in Morrison, why not visit the impressive city nearby?
Check out the surreal art experiences of Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station. Enter a hypnotizing world of lights and interactive art displays. You’ll feel like you entered a dream.
After Meow Wolf, head downtown to see live theater and visit museums such as the National Ballpark Museum. Afterward, check out the nightlife downtown and around Larimer Square.
Read also: Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are in the US
Enjoy Local Art
Morrisson may be small, but it has an impressive art scene. Visit destinations such as Terry Gardner Paintings and Red Rocks Fine Art Gallery.
Along Bear Creek Avenue are local vendors selling handmade art, paintings, and jewelry. Talk to the artists and learn about what inspires them.
Just a short drive north is the fantastic Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum. You’ll see everything from classic English quilts to historical quilts made in Colorado.
Read also: American Cities With a Unique Art Scene
Visit Geologic Formations
The landscape around Morrison is full of geologic landforms such as red rocks and the Dakota Hogback. These formations were formed over millions of years. They provided shelter for prehistoric people and animals.
Take your time exploring the local trails around the city. From downtown, hike up to Mount Morrison. From this peak, you’ll see epic formations and caves near town.
The most famous landform in the area is Creation Rock. The monument surrounds Red Rocks Amphitheater and is a must-see during the day.
Read also: Must-Visit American National Monuments
See the Walker Mansion Ruins
The Walker Mansion Ruins were once the property of the millionaire John B. Walker. The businessman built the massive complex in 1905. After being struck by lightning, the mansion burned down in 1918.
When you visit, you’ll walk through the now-abandoned site high above the Morrison. To get here, you’ll take the popular Mount Falcon Park Trail.
Near the ruins are several popular lookout points. You’ll see animals such as eagles, foxes, rabbits, and other impressive creatures.
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Go on a Rock Climbing Adventure
Rock climbing is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have in Morrison. Try your climbing skills at Movement Golden. This indoor climbing gym will get you trained to hit the rocks yourself or in a group.
If you’re an experienced climber, you’ll find plenty of popular climbing spots near town. Almost every trail in the area has bouldering and top roping spots.
Just outside of town, you’ll see professional climbers taking on the walls, especially on the north side of town. As always, never push your limits when climbing.
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