Like many predatory dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era (not to mention modern crocodiles), Allosaurus constantly grew, shed and replaced its teeth, some of which averaged three or four inches in length. Surprisingly, this dinosaur only had about 32 teeth, 16 apiece in its upper and lower jaws, at any given time. Based on the voluminous fossil evidence, paleontologists believe Allosaurus attained its full adult size by the age of 15 or so, at which point it was no longer vulnerable to predation by other large theropods or other hungry Allosaurus adults. Barring disease, starvation, or thagomizer wounds inflicted by angry stegosaurs, this dinosaur may have been capable of living and hunting for another 10 or 15 years. Allosaurus lived 155 to 145 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period (kimmeridgian to late Tithonian ages). The name "Allosaurus" means "different lizard", alluding to its unique (at the time of its discovery) concave vertebrae. Allosaurus was a large bipedal predator for its time. Its skull was light, robust, and equipped with dozens of sharp, serrated teeth. It averaged 8.5 meters (28 ft) in length for A. fragilis, with the largest specimens estimated as being 9.7 meters (32 ft) long. Relative to the large and powerful legs, its three-fingered hands were small and the body was balanced by a long, muscular tail. It is classified in the family Allosauridae. As the most abundant large predator of the Morrison Formation, Allosaurus was at the top of the food chain and probably preyed on large herbivorous dinosaurs such as ornithopods, steosaurids and sauropods. It is also possible that it hunted other predators. Scientists have debated whether Allosaurus had cooperative social behavior and hunted in packs or was a solitary predator that form congregations, with evidence supporting either side.
We make no representations as to the accuracy of the figures attached to the Geocache. Obviously dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years and the descriptions included are based upon research of paleontologists and other scientists much more learned than El Fartero & La Vaca Verde.
"Walking with Dinosaurs" is a Reptilia-themed power trail consisting of 25 traditonal microcaches hosting their featured dinosaur, and 2 large, well-stocked ammocans you'll have to answer some questions to find. It extends for a total of 4 miles north from Hubbel Corners toward Grand Gorge on the lovely, but lesser known Southern portion of the Stamford Rail Trail. The trail is mostly flat, wide and level, and other than a few sections that can get watery, it is dog, stroller and bike friendly. Most of the caches are winter-friendly, but a few are not, so check the attributes if there's deep snow. We recommend doing it over two days for a more enjoyable, leisurly experience, but more ambitious cachers (or First-to-Find maniacs!) can start early and do it in one. We have tried to provide good coordiantes and helpful hints to give you a rewarding caching experience.
Parking is available at the South end of the trail at N42 18.165 W74 33.256, or at the North end at N42 21.238 W74 31.250