The Land Before Time Tour

Experience the fascinating paleontological richness of Cochise County, home to numerous Ice Age sites recognized for their scientific importance. This region offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life, with fossil discoveries occurring across washes, road cuts, tunnels, and construction sites. The tour travels north to Cascabel, where hikers follow a sandy wash to a rock ledge featuring well-preserved brontosaur footprints. These ancient mammal tracks, dating back millions of years, allow visitors, especially children, to walk in the footsteps of these massive extinct creatures while enjoying exceptional photo opportunities. The combination of natural history, geology, and hands-on experiences makes this tour both educational and engaging.

Discover additional historic and cultural highlights as the journey continues through Cochise County. Along the motorized portion of the tour, guides point out numerous fossil sites and explain their significance. The tour includes a stop at the movie set town of Gammons Gulch, a recreated Old West town with historic buildings and cinematic history. A brief lunch break at R and R Pizza in Benson provides a chance to recharge. The experience concludes at the Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology, where a paleontologist curator shares an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at fossil specimens. This combination of exploration, education, and adventure provides an unforgettable journey through Arizona’s rich natural and cultural history.