Morrison

Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge, and a 400-person town with outsized character

Population
~396
Median Price
$710K–$870K
Distance
~20 mi SW via US-285/C-470
Safety
1 in 10,000 — virtually no violent crime (tiny population)
crime rate
Red Rocks AmphitheatreDinosaur RidgeThe Fort Restaurant400-Person Town
Overview

Why People Move Here

Morrison is a 400-person town with an outsized footprint — home to Red Rocks Amphitheatre (9,525 seats, 160+ events per year) and Dinosaur Ridge (one of the world's most famous fossil sites). Bear Creek Avenue's handful of restaurants and galleries make it feel like a mountain village, while C-470 puts Denver 25 minutes away. Real estate is scarce: with fewer than 200 homes in town, listings are rare and buyers compete fiercely.


By the Numbers

Key Statistics

Data sourced from census records, school district reports, and local transit authorities.

Population
~396
Median Home
$710K–$870K
Zillow $712K avg home value · Redfin $710K (80465 zip). Realtor.com median sale $872K. Very low inventory — few homes trade annually.
School Rating
A-
Jefferson County School District R-1
Distance
~20 mi SW via US-285/C-470
to downtown
Parks & Trails
5+
nearby

Transportation

Commute Times

Downtown Denver25–30 min / 40–55 min
Lakewood / Federal Center10–15 min

Education

School Districts

Jefferson County School District R-1

A-

#22 in Colorado

  • Bear Creek HS (Lakewood) — typical zoned high school for Morrison residents
  • D'Evelyn Jr/Sr HS — available to all Jeffco residents by application

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Common Questions

FAQ — Morrison

What are the school ratings in Morrison?

Morrison is served by Jefferson County School District R-1, rated A− by Niche and ranked #22 in Colorado. There are no schools in Morrison proper — students attend Jeffco schools in the Lakewood and Golden area. Bear Creek High School in Lakewood is the typical zoned high school. D’Evelyn Jr/Sr High School is available to all Jeffco residents by application. District boundaries are complex — verify enrollment eligibility by address.

How long is the commute from Morrison to Denver?

Morrison is approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Denver via C-470 to I-25 or US-285. Off-peak drive time is 25–30 minutes; during rush hour, expect 40–55 minutes. Lakewood and the Federal Center are closer at 10–15 minutes off-peak via C-470 east. There is no direct transit — the nearest RTD stations are at Federal Center or Lakewood/Wadsworth.

What is the median home price in Morrison?

As of 2026, the median home price in Morrison is approximately $710K–$870K. Zillow reports an average home value of $712K while Realtor.com shows a median sale price of $872K. Inventory is extremely limited — with fewer than 200 homes in the entire town, often only 1–3 active listings are available at any given time.

What outdoor recreation is available in Morrison?

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre offers 868 acres of red sandstone formations with free daytime hiking and an iconic 9,525-seat outdoor concert venue hosting 160+ events per year. Dinosaur Ridge is a world-famous Jurassic fossil site with guided tours and visible dinosaur tracks. Mount Falcon Park provides 6+ miles of trails with castle ruins and panoramic views of Denver and the Continental Divide. Bear Creek Lake Park (adjacent) adds 2,624 acres with a lake and trails.

What are the crime statistics in Morrison?

Morrison reports a violent crime rate of 1 in 10,000 — virtually no violent crime given its approximately 396-person population. The property crime rate is 1 in 99, reflecting occasional property crimes. The town’s tiny population means crime statistics can fluctuate significantly with even a single incident.

What is the cost of living in Morrison?

Morrison’s cost of living is 11% above the national average, with housing as the primary driver. Sales tax includes Morrison town tax plus Jefferson County and state rates. The extremely limited housing inventory — fewer than 200 homes in the entire town — means buyers often compete for rare listings.

What dining options are available in Morrison?

Morrison has approximately 10 restaurants, emphasizing quality over quantity in this tiny town. Notable options include: • The Fort Restaurant — iconic Colorado fine dining in an 1830s fur-trade fort replica, serving 80,000+ buffalo entrées per year • The Cow An Eatery — Bear Creek Avenue staple since 1990 with Mexican-American brunch and dinner • Red Rocks Grill — casual dining on Bear Creek Avenue • Hungry Goat Scratch Kitchen & Wine Bar — upscale casual with a patio Bear Creek Avenue is Morrison’s compact Main Street with 1–2 brewery and coffee options.

What healthcare facilities are near Morrison?

The nearest hospital is St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, approximately 15 minutes away, which operates as a Level I Trauma Center. Denver hospitals are roughly 25 minutes from Morrison. There is no hospital or urgent care facility within the town itself.


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