Cabazon Dinosaurs / by Stacey Almason

If you have ever lived in Southern California I am sure you have passed this monumental roadside attraction a thousand times, as I had in my past but never once did I stop and explore the area until today.  This roadside attraction was made famous when it was featured in Pee Wee Herman's Big Adventure.  

IMG_2167.JPG

My son is currently obsessed with Dinosaurs so what better time to get out and explore the famous roadside attraction.  Once we arrived we headed straight to the Brontosaurus which was closest to where we parked.

IMG_2161.JPG

We had noticed an open sign from our car welcoming us inside.  Once we entered we climbed a set of stairs to a gift shop where we purchased our tickets to enter the T-Rex statue and make the climb to the top located just across the parking lot.  Admission at the time of our visit was $12.00 for Adults and $10.00 for children.

IMG_2163.JPG
IMG_2171.JPG

Of course each step we took towards the T-Rex held an exciting experience.  Here Jaxon is standing at the entry way to the ticket booth.

IMG_2183.JPG

As we made our way past the gates and walked at a leisurely rate down their well manicured dirt trails dinosaur adventures surrounding our every turn.  Towards the end of the trail it appeared to be under construction soon becoming a paved path.

IMG_2195.JPG
IMG_2241.JPG
IMG_2201.JPG

Once we arrived at the doorway to the T-rex we made the climb into his giant mouth just behind his fierce teeth.  As we towered over everything below it was a beautiful panoramic view of the area.  I would have loved to taken pictures except we were wired in by chicken wire surrounding his entire mouth and giant teeth.

IMG_2205.JPG
IMG_2218.JPG

On our way back through we found a small area off to the side for children to dig for dinosaur bones.  The sign advertised that if you found one you would win a prize.  We dug for a good ten minutes and no sign of any bones.

IMG_2254.JPG

Of course on our way out we stopped by a second gift shop and Jaxon had no problem explaining that he was unable to find any dinosaur bones and well deserved a prize for all his hard work.  The woman behind the counter was a good sport and allowed him to pick a prize after his ride on the dinosaur.  Which made for the perfect ending in a young boys mind.

IMG_2260.JPG