The Black Mesa region contains the fossilized remains of dinosaurs from the Jurassic and Triassic Periods, which date back as far as 140 million years ago. During that ancient time, the region was a large swamp. Among the dinosaurs that lived in the area were the Aptosaurus, Stegosaurus, Omithopoda, and Allosaurus.

A series of dinosaur tracks in a strata of solid rock may be seen in the bed of a creek near Black Mesa. The area where the tracks are found was once a swamp and forested area. During the 1930's, several dinosaur quarries were opened and excavated. More than 18 tons of fossilized prehistoric animal bones have been taken from Cimarron County quarries. Other quarries in the same general area have given up parts of the remains of giant mammoths in the form of tusks, skulls, and other fossils.

A prized Apatosaurus was recovered here; the excavation is 80% complete. Tracks in the creek bed are believed to be Iguanodon or Camptosaurus.

Dinosaur Tracks
Dinosaur Tracks 2
Dinosaur Model
Dinosaur Bone

Contact the chamber, 580-544-3344 for more information.