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A dark brown, football-shaped fossil fish with a fan-shaped tail and spines standing up on its back.
Destinations › … › United States › Wyoming

Fossil Butte National Monument

warningInformation1 warning calendar_monthMay–Jun, Sep–Octbest time schedule2 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_numberFreeentry
Fossil Butte National MonumentYour own route Plan a trip here →
Information Temporary Phone Number for Visitor Center

Our main phone number for the visitor center is temporarily disconnected. Please call 307-877-4456 to reach a ranger.

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Fossil Butte National Monument is a significant paleontological site in Wyoming, showcasing fossils from the ancient Green River Formation. Visitors come to explore the well-preserved remains of fish, alligators, and other species that thrived in a subtropical ecosystem 50 million years ago.

Read more

The monument offers hiking trails and opportunities to witness fossil excavation during the summer months. The diverse weather conditions throughout the year can affect your visit, so be prepared for varying temperatures and potential snow in the colder seasons.

In pictures

Hills with tan and red sediments partially covered with green vegetation.
Hills with tan and red sediments partially covered with green vegetation.

Things to do

Eagle Nest Point Trail
1-2 Hours · Summer

This unmaintained trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip along an old dirt road. The trail goes along a ridge to...
Cundick Ridge Trail
1-2 Hours · Summer

This unmaintained trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip along an old dirt road. The trail follows Cundick Ridge...
Rubey Point Trail
2-3 Hours · Summer

This unmaintained trail is 3 miles / 4.8 km round trip along an old dirt road. The hike traverses a ridge to a...
Fossil Butte Visitor Center Exhibits
20-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Stop by the visitor center to see the fossils of the animals that lived in Fossil Lake 52 million years ago.
Fossil Butte Scenic Drive
Summer

The scenic drive is 5.5 miles one way. The road takes you to the top of the ridgeline where you get great view...
Historic Quarry Trail
1-2 Hours · Winter/Spring

This 2.5 mile (4 km) loop trail provides an overview of the geology and paleontology of the park and surroundi...
Ranger Programs at Fossil Butte
Summer

Fossil Butte NM offers several different programs during the summer. Ask about the schedule at the visitor cen...

Practical

At a glance

Opened
1970
Open
Daily Sunrise to Sunset
Accessibility
some trails are wheelchair accessible
Address
864 Chicken Creek Road, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Opening hours
Daily Sunrise to Sunset
Phone
3078774455
Price
Free
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect cold temperatures in spring, fall, and winter.
Summer daytime temperatures can reach up to 90 °F (32 °C).
The Historic Quarry Trail is 2½ miles long, while the Nature Trail is 1½ miles.
Fossil excavation occurs on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 4 PM in summer.

Photo: NPS Photo