Paleontology in Denali
A mural of Denali's ecosystem during the Cretaceous Period, located at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Artwork by Karen Carr
It’s been 15 years since the first evidence of dinosaurs was found in Denali National Park. Since then, thousands of tracks and plant fossils have been discovered – and even a few bones – helping to paint a picture of an extinct Cretaceous ecosystem. Join paleontologist Patrick Druckenmiller, Director of the University of Alaska Museum of the North, for an inside look at his current research in Denali to better understand dinosaurs and their environment. In this field-based course, we will learn how to recognize dinosaur tracks and other fossils and test this knowledge by visiting potential new sites. We will also learn some of the paleontological tools-of-the-trade and contribute to real research on Alaskan dinosaurs.
- Paleoecology of Denali's Dinosaurs
- Plants in the Age of Dinosaurs
- Following in the footsteps of giants: Dinosaur tracks in Denali National Park and Preserve
Additional Resources:
- Denali's Fossils
- Fossils of the 2021 National Fossil Day Artwork - Denali National Park and Preserve: Tracking Arctic Dinosaurs
- Dinosaurs on Alaska’s North Slope booklet