Park Hours (Today)
Sunrise to Sunset
Fossil Butte Visitor Center: 8:00AM - 5:30PM
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About the Park
In the ridges of southwest Wyoming are some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. They tell the story of ancient life in a warm, wet environment in and around a freshwater lake. Stingrays swam in the lake. Turtles basked in the sun. Leaves rustled in the breeze while early horses darted between the trunks. We reveal more of the past with each fossil found.
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What to See & Do
Eagle Nest Point Trail
This unmaintained trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip along an old dirt road. The trail goes along a ridge to an overlook amid limber pine and Douglas fir. The overlook provides a great vantage point to view the canyons and ridges in the distance. This trail can be difficult to follow. Speak to a ranger at the visitor center before attempting this hike.
Cundick Ridge Trail
This unmaintained trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip along an old dirt road. The trail follows Cundick Ridge to an overlook which provides an excellent view of the valley below. On clear days it is possible to see the Uinta Mountains in the distance.
Rubey Point Trail
This unmaintained trail is 3 miles / 4.8 km round trip along an old dirt road. The hike traverses a ridge to an overlook which provides a panoramic view. On clear days it is possible to see the Uinta Mountains and the Bear River and Monte Cristo Ranges.
Fossil Butte Visitor Center Exhibits
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
The scenic drive is 5.5 miles one way. The road takes you to the top of the ridgeline where you get great views of the valleys below. Wayside signs interpret the landscape. The last 3 miles is a steep gravel road not recommended for RVs or vehicles towing anything.
Historic Quarry Trail
This 2.5 mile (4 km) loop trail provides an overview of the geology and paleontology of the park and surrounding area.
Self-Guided Tours
Scenic Drive Wayside Tour
Starting at the park entrance sign and continuing up the Scenic Drive are 10 wayside signs that provide information about geology and the landscape that can be seen from that stop. Past the Nature Trail the road becomes dirt and gravel and has steep switchbacks. This section is not recommended for RVs or if you are towing anything.
Visitor Center Tour: Abundance and Diversity
Discover the most abundant and most diverse from Fossil Lake as you explore the visitor center.
Visitor Centers
Fossil Butte Visitor Center
Over 2000 fossils are on exhibit. Video programs feature what scientists have learned from the fossils and the rocks they're found in, and how fossils are excavated and prepared. Visitor Center hours vary by the season.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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).
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
Fossil Butte National Monument
Visitors may enter the park any day sunrise to sunset, but visitor services and motor vehicle access vary throughout the year. Camping is not available.
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
Photos
Hills with tan and red sediments partially covered with green vegetation.
A fossil frog facing left with its back legs splayed out.
The moon over a snow-covered butte
A dark brown, long, thin fossil fish with a forked tail
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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