Fossil Butte National Monument
4.8(586)google
4.5(23)yelp
EducationalFossilsHikingNational Monument
Overview
Fossil Butte National Monument preserves one of the world's richest collections of freshwater fossils, entombed within the ancient limestone layers of a dried-up prehistoric lake. The visitor center showcases extraordinarily detailed fossils of fish, insects, plants, and reptiles that lived millions of years ago. Scenic hiking trails wind through the sagebrush desert, allowing visitors to see exposed fossil beds.
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeBest from June to September when the visitor center provides live fossil preparation demonstrations. Early mornings or cooler late afternoons are best for hiking the desert ridge trails to observe the world-famous Green River rock strata.
Getting ThereLocated roughly 15 miles west of Kemmerer in southwestern Wyoming. Drive west along US Highway 30 (US-30) and follow the official brown monument signs onto Fossil Butte Road, leading directly to the visitor center parking.
Travel Tips
- While illegal to dig or collect fossils on federal land, the monument hosts free ranger-led Scenic Quarry Programs on summer Friday and Saturday mornings. Visitors can watch active extraction; check assembly points online 30 minutes early.
- Situated in a remote, high-altitude desert corner, the monument has zero fuel or retail options within 15 miles. You must fuel up in nearby Kemmerer, carry high-calorie rations, and pack heavy windproof outer layers.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The visitor center maintains strict climate controls; open food and drinks are explicitly prohibited inside. The ultra-fine fossils are best photographed from side-angled, low-reflection display cases without using high-power camera flash units.
Reviews
Positive
- The ancient fish and plant fossils displayed at the visitor center are exquisite, with details preserved to an unbelievable degree.
- The monument is completely free to enter; not only is admission zero, but geology brochures and ranger tours are also complimentary.
- The trail to the historic quarry site offers unique vistas and wide-open high desert views with almost zero crowds, ensuring deep peace.
- The signage is clear, and the multilingual guide booklet explains the prehistoric freshwater lake evolution in a highly engaging way.
Heads up
- The monument is very isolated, far from Wyoming's primary interstate corridors, and surrounding town amenities are scarce.
- The regular trails offer zero tree cover; the summer sun is brutal, ground temps are high, and mountain winds can be blinding.
- The core live fossil dig labs only open on select summer Fridays and Saturdays with tight spots; regular visitors usually just see displays.
- Restrooms are exclusively inside the visitor center; once out on the long mountain loops, you will find zero emergency facilities.