Dinosaur, town in Moffat County, Colorado, United States
Dinosaur is a small town in Moffat County, in the northwestern corner of Colorado, right at the Utah state line. The main road runs through a high desert setting of red rock and open sky, with a handful of buildings spread along its length.
The settlement took shape in the early 20th century as a remote outpost in an area with little existing population. It was renamed after fossil remains found in the region brought outside attention to the area and gave it a new identity.
The town's name comes from the fossil discoveries made in the surrounding area, and this theme is visible throughout the streets. Street names reference prehistoric creatures, giving the place a character tied closely to the landscape around it.
The town center is small enough to walk around in a few minutes, but a vehicle is needed to reach anything beyond it. The nearest larger towns are a long drive away, so it is worth stocking up on supplies before arriving.
The streets within the town are officially named after dinosaur genera, making it one of the few places in the country where the street grid itself reflects the local fossil history. These names were given formally, not as a later promotional addition.
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