Fossil Butte National Monument

National Park Service, Wyoming.

Some of the world's best-preserved fossils are found in the flat-topped ridges of southwestern Wyoming's cold sagebrush desert. Fossilized fishes, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals are exceptional for their abundance, variety, and detail of preservation. Most remarkable is the story they tell of ancient life in the warm, wet environment in and around a freshwater lake.

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Wildlife Viewing

Directions

By car: Travel 9 miles west of Kemmerer, Wyoming on U.S. Highway 30. There is a highway sign near mile post 44; turn right onto Lincoln County Road 300. The Historic Quarry Trail is approximately 1/2 mile on the right. Continue west on County Road 300 for approximately 1.5 miles to Chicken Creek Road which provides access to the visitor center, scenic drive, Nature Trail and picnic area. Closest airports: Rock Springs, Wyoming (130 miles); Salt Lake City, Utah (150 miles).

Additional Information

  • Fossil Butte National Monument Official Website
  • Fossil Butte National Monument Map

Photo Gallery

  • Moonrise Over Fossil ButteFossil Butte is the most noticeable landmark of the park and where the monument got its name.
  • Haddenham CabinHaddenham's cabin still stands along the Historic Quarry Trail.
  • Haddenham CabinHaddenham's cabin still stands along the Historic Quarry Trail.
  • Fossil Butte National Monument
  • Fossils on the RidgeKnightia eocaena, the most abundant vertebrate fossil in the world, lies exposed near cliff face.
  • Cockerellites liops, a Common Fossil FishFossils from the Green River Formation are known for their excellent preservation, abundance, and diversity. Cockerellites liops is one of the common fishes found here.
  • Palm FrondFossil palm fronds and other plants indicate a climate similar to the Gulf Coast states.
  • The Limestone Ridges, Remnants of Ancient Fossil Lake, Contrast the Green, Early Summer Landscape.Early Summer Beauty in the High Desert of Southwestern Wyoming
  • Visitor CenterThe visitor center is nestled in a sagebrush landscape beneath Fossil Butte. Over 300 fossils are on exhibit.

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