2026 Field Trip: CU Collections

A Journey Through CU Collections 

Join Dinosaur Ridge and the University of Colorado Boulder for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes exploration of the CU Museum of Natural History. This full-day experience offers rare access to fossil collections typically kept out of public view, including significant track collections from renowned ichnologist Dr. Martin Lockley, a key figure in the founding and preservation of Dinosaur Ridge. 

Spend half the day in private collections alongside paleontologist Dr. Karen Chin, exploring cabinets, archives, and research spaces not open to the public. Then, enjoy time in the museum’s public exhibits, showcasing over a century of scientific discovery since its founding in 1902. 

Go beyond the exhibits and discover what’s hidden behind the scenes! This is a rare opportunity to experience paleontology up close. 

Trip is limited to 20 participants. 

DATE/TIME 

August 15th, 8:30am – 4:30pm 

STUDY LEADERS: 

Dr. Karen Chin – Dr. Chin received her PhD from the University of California Santa Barbara.  She is a renowned paleoecologist and a Professor and Curator of Paleontology at the University of Colorado in Boulder. She is widely considered one of the world's leading experts on coprolites (fossilized dinosaur dung). Dr. Chin combines biology, geology, and chemistry to extract biological information from fossils. 

Alyce Olson (Allosaurus Alyce) has been with Dinosaur Ridge for 7 years, and is the lead tour guide for the organization. She is a self-proclaimed science nerd, loves to learn and explore, and very much enjoys sharing that with others.  Alyce is thrilled to be a part of Dinosaur Ridge’s “Wild Wanderer” field trips, and will serve as the logistics coordinator, bus driver, and official cat herder for this experience. 
 

COST 

Cost: $110 for non-members, $90 for members 

Includes:  

• Transportation in a 15-passenger bus 
• Museum/program costs 
• Lunch 

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION 

We will meet at the Dinosaur Ridge Main Visitor Center at 8:30am to board one of our 15-passenger buses to Boulder.  After the program, we should arrive back at Dinosaur Ridge around 4:30pm. 

Dinosaur Ridge Main Visitor Center, 16931 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465 

PHYSICAL EXERTION LEVEL/ACCESSIBILITY 

This field trip features a gentle pace with minimal walking, as all galleries and collection areas are ADA-accessible via ramps and elevators. Ample seating is available throughout the tour, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors of all mobility levels. 

Bring 

• Refillable water bottle or pouch, if desired. 

TRIP CANCELLATION POLICY 
This trip is contingent on a minimum of 8 registered participants and will be cancelled by August 1st if the minimum is not met. If the trip is cancelled by Dinosaur Ridge, participants will receive a full refund of program fees paid. All participant-initiated cancellations must be received in writing. 

• Cancellations received 90 or more calendar days prior to departure qualify for a full refund. 

• Cancellations received 60 or more calendar days prior to departure qualify for an 80% refund. 

• Cancellations received 30 or more calendar days prior to departure qualify for a 50% refund of program fees. 

• Cancellations received 15 calendar days or less prior to departure are assessed a cancellation fee of 100% of the program fees. You may transfer your registration to another attendee or forfeit your payment. 

Questions? Contact trip coordinator Alyce Olson Alyce.Olson@dinoridge.org