Dinosaur Digs and Expeditions
Dinosaur Dig Registrations Are Back Online!
If you encounter technical issues while registering, please call us at (970) 242-0971 ext. 218 or email us at awiuff@mowc.co for assistance.
Minimum participant age (Half-Day) : 5 years old
Minimum participant age (Full-Day) : 7 years old
Join the Museums of Western Colorado’s Paleontology Division at the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, Colorado as we explore and discover the richness of this region’s prehistoric past!
More than just viewing sites, many of our expeditions are discovering new information about the ancient life forms that used to roam what is now Colorado and the American Southwest. Our very popular dinosaur digs and adventures include excavating, prospecting, hiking, rafting, touring, and prepping fossil specimens.
We are family friendly, and a great vacation destination for future paleontologists.
There are no upcoming events at this time
Forms, Policies, and Frequently Asked Questions
Dinosaur Digs Frequently Asked Questions
Can we keep what we find?
No. All our digs take place on public lands, where fossils are protected by federal law. Participants on our digs are allowed to dig under the museum’s collection permit; and all collected fossils are returned to the Museums, so that they are available to research and view for everyone!
My child wants to dig but I don’t. Can I come and just watch?
No, we require everyone under the age of 16 to have a guardian and responsible adult attending. Everyone who goes to the quarry must pay.
Does the half day dig have lunch included?
No, half-day digs do not. Full-day digs have a lunch included and you will be able to specify allergies in the paperwork emailed to you after registration.
How do I register?
You can register on our website! www.dinodigs.org First choose by type of dig and then browse by date, and register!
I see there is only one spot left, can you fit my family of three into the DinoDig?
No. You can register 1 member of your family and then sign up the additional members on the waitlist and hope for a cancellation! – In the event there isn’t a cancellation though, we will only refund your registration fee 80%. Sorry!
The waitlist is only activated once the DinoDig is completely full, we are not able to put anyone on the list beforehand.
Will my kid DEFINITELY get to see a dinosaur in the ground?
Maybe! We can’t guarantee what you will see, but we can guarantee you will be working alongside paleo professionals in a quarry that has been actively worked for more than 35 years! Mygatt-Moore quarry has had over 2,000 fossil specimens removed over the years – with many species first being described there. Our head Paleontologist even published new research from the quarry last year!
How strenuous is the work?
Be Ready! You will be out in the heat with bugs, digging in the dirt. We have shade tarps and you will have access to lots of gatorade and water throughout the day – but this is authentic paleontology stuff, which means authentic bugs and dirt and heat too! Please be ready for temperatures frequently above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and prepare for standing, stooping, walking on uneven surfaces and using manual labor tools.
Can we come into the museum after the dig?
Yes, museum admission is included!
Are there digs year-round?
We only offer our dinosaur digs program in the summertime due to staff availability and seasonal weather conditions. In 2024, our dig season has been extended, and we will be operating from June through September!