Advanced Dig Experiences are for adventurers who may have already had a quarry experience and are looking for more.
Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Participants 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
June 1st & 2nd 2023 Two Day Traildust Theropod Experience
Description: This expedition is for adventurers who like a challenge. Fossil bones of the theropod Allosaurus are plentiful at the site, but they are embedded in a hard sandstone. We will be breaking out the hammers and chisels to excavate these bones from a top predator of the Jurassic. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Work requires moving equipment, using hammers and chisels on hard sandstone, moving rock and dirt in excavation and quarry cover daily, and prolonged sitting with repetitive work on small objects. Quarry site is located about ¼ mile from parking area atop a ridge – equipment, tools, water, etc. must be carried in and out in packs and on foot daily. Excavated fossils must be packed out by crews on foot. There are steep ledges at the quarry, please follow crew instructions for a safe and exciting dig experience. We will have water to refill bottles, but this will be located at the parking area, not in the quarry.
What to Bring: Expeditioners should dress for working outdoors in summer: bring a wide-brimmed hat, sturdy closed-toed shoes or hiking boots, sunscreen, a camera, one or two water bottles (32 oz recommended), and bug spray. Long pants are recommended, but not required.
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1: Traildust Theropod Quarry dinosaur dig
8:00 AM – Orientation at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita, CO
8:30 AM – Depart Dinosaur Journey.
8:45 AM – Arrive at FPA & hike to quarry for excavations
Noon – Lunch at the quarry
1:00 PM – excavations
2:30 PM – Close quarry and return to Dinosaur Journey
3:00 PM – Tour Paleo Lab at Dinosaur Journey
Day 2: Traildust Theropod Quarry dinosaur dig
8:00 AM – Meet at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita, CO
8:15 AM – Depart Dinosaur Journey.
8:30 AM – Arrive at FPA & hike to quarry for excavations
Noon – Lunch at the quarry
1:00 PM – excavations
2:30 PM – Close quarry and return to Dinosaur Journey
3:30 PM – Tour Collections at Dinosaur Journey