Most people see dinosaur fossils in museums. But in 2000, two boys in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, found dinosaur tracks in a creek bed.
This discovery led to finding dinosaur bones. It also helped Tumbler Ridge become a UNESCO Geopark. This changed what we know about tyrannosaur tracks.
Today, hikers can visit these sites. Remember, fossils are protected. You should only look at them. For sensitive areas, book a tour through the Tumbler Ridge Museum.
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Start Your News DetoxFlatbed Creek Trail
Flatbed Creek is one of the most famous hikes in the Geopark. This is where the two boys first found dinosaur tracks. These tracks were made by ankylosaurs and theropods. You can follow a moderate trail for about 1.85 miles to the creek to find them.
Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Centre Trails
The Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Centre has many trails near Tumbler Ridge. One is the TR Trail. Here, hikers can explore the rugged land. Not all trails have visible fossils. But the area has rock layers with fossils and signs explaining the region's ancient past.
Quality Falls and Kinuseo Falls
Kinuseo Falls in Monkman Provincial Park is known for its large waterfall. It also has many trails that go through rock formations from the Late Cretaceous period. It can be hard to spot fossils here on your own. However, you can see many fossil-bearing rock layers in the canyon walls.
Bergeron Cliffs
Bergeron Cliffs is a rugged site that needs a guide to access. It's harder to reach but famous for its large theropod tracks. Visitors often hike along the Murray River. This area has amazing views and very steep cliffs.
What to Know About Visiting
Tumbler Ridge is a very important place for dinosaur research. It has the only known tyrannosaurid footprints in the world. Besides footprints, the region has many dinosaur bones. Some are at the Tumbler Ridge Museum. The museum also offers day and evening hikes to fossil spots when possible.
Hikers can also hire a local guide with backcountry experience. This helps customize their outdoor trip.
