Photo: NPS Photo
In the ridges of southwest Wyoming are some of the best-preserved fossils in the world.
Weather now38°F Light snow
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.
Our main phone number for the visitor center is temporarily disconnected. Please call 307-877-4456 to reach a ranger.
7 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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…
Learn more about Cundick Ridge Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Eagle Nest Point Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Fossil Butte Scenic Drive on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Stop by the visitor center to see the fossils of the animals that lived in Fossil Lake 52 million years ago.
Learn more about Fossil Butte Visitor Center Exhibits on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
This 2.5 mile (4 km) loop trail provides an overview of the geology and paleontology of the park and surrounding area.
Learn more about Historic Quarry Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Fossil Butte NM offers several different programs during the summer. Ask about the schedule at the visitor center.
Learn more about Ranger Programs at Fossil Butte on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Rubey Point Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 7 of 7
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
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…
864 Chicken Creek Road, Kemmerer, WY (307) 877-4455 Directions
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · 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.
| Monday | Sunrise to Sunset |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Wednesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Thursday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Friday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Saturday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
No entrance fees listed.
48° 37°
49° 37°
52° 36°
Updated 2 hr ago
Expect a variety of weather conditions no matter what time of year you visit. Spring, fall and winter can be very cold with snow and icy conditions. In spring, daytime temperatures usually range from 30 F to 65 F. Summer daytime temperatures range from 60 F to 90 F. Fall daytime temperatures range from 45 F to 70 F. Winter daytime temperatures range from -20 F to 30 F.
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).
Mailing address: P.O. Box 592, Kemmerer, WY 83101
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
