Exhibit-rich visitor center and scenic trails showcasing exceptionally preserved fossils from an ancient freshwater lake ecosystem.
General Information
Visitor Center:
Spring (May 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day): 8am – 4:30pm
Summer (Friday before Memorial Day – Labor Day): 8am – 5:30pm
Fall (Day after Labor Day – October 31): 8am – 4:30pm
Winter (November 1 – April 30): Monday to Saturday 8am – 4:30pm; closed Sundays and federal holidays
How to Get There
From Salt Lake City, UT (150 mi): Take I-80 E to US-189 N at Evanston, then follow US-30 E to Kemmerer and continue west on US-30 to the monument entrance.
Overview
The Fossil Butte National Monument preserves one of the richest fossil deposits in the world, offering a window into life during the Eocene Epoch, over 50 million years ago. Located in southwestern Wyoming, the monument protects a portion of the ancient Fossil Lake, where fine-grained sediments preserved an extraordinary array of fish, plants, insects, and reptiles. The visitor center features more than 300 fossils on display, including complete fish skeletons and rare specimens like bats and crocodiles, all remarkably detailed thanks to the lake’s unique preservation conditions.
Beyond the exhibits, the monument offers scenic hiking trails, interpretive programs, and panoramic views of the high desert landscape. Visitors can explore the Fossil Lake Trail or the Nature Trail, both of which provide insight into the geology and ecology of the region. With its blend of scientific significance and natural beauty, Fossil Butte is a must-visit for fossil enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about Earth’s prehistoric past.
Things to Do
Explore One of the World's Richest Fossil Deposits
Fossil Butte National Monument preserves an extraordinary record of life from approximately 50 million years ago. Located in southwestern Wyoming, the monument protects part of the ancient Fossil Lake ecosystem and contains some of the world's best-preserved fish, insects, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plant fossils from the Eocene Epoch.
Visit the Fossil Butte Visitor Center
The visitor center features impressive fossil exhibits, educational displays, interactive exhibits, and a short orientation film. Visitors can see exceptionally preserved fossils and learn about the ancient lake environment that once covered the area.
Watch the Park Film
The monument's orientation film introduces visitors to the geology, paleontology, and natural history of Fossil Butte. It provides an excellent overview before exploring the trails and exhibits.
Learn About Ancient Life
Interpretive exhibits throughout the monument explain how fossils formed, what scientists have discovered, and why Fossil Butte is internationally important for understanding prehistoric ecosystems and climate change.
Enjoy Scenic Views of the Fossil Basin
The monument's overlooks provide beautiful views of Fossil Basin, surrounding sagebrush hills, and the distant mountain ranges of southwestern Wyoming. Visitors can appreciate both the geological significance and natural beauty of the region.
Attend Ranger Programs and Fossil Demonstrations
Seasonal ranger-led programs often include guided walks, geology talks, fossil preparation demonstrations, and educational presentations that help visitors better understand the monument's scientific importance.
Observe Wildlife and Native Plants
Modern wildlife within the monument includes pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, badgers, hawks, and numerous songbirds. Spring and summer also bring colorful wildflowers to the area's sagebrush landscapes.
Top Trails
Historic Quarry Trail
Length: Approximately 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
The monument's most popular trail leads visitors to Fossil Lake quarry sites where internationally significant fossils have been discovered. Interpretive signs explain fossil excavation, geology, and the history of scientific research in the area.
Nature Trail
Length: Approximately 0.75 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This accessible trail begins near the visitor center and introduces visitors to the monument's geology, wildlife, vegetation, and ancient lake deposits through interpretive signs and scenic viewpoints.
Rigby Trail
Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
The Rigby Trail follows portions of Fossil Butte and provides expansive views of Fossil Basin, historic quarry sites, and surrounding landscapes while highlighting the area's geological history.
Fossil Butte Overlook Trail
Length: Short walking route
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This trail provides access to viewpoints overlooking the basin and helps visitors understand the immense scale of the ancient lake system that once existed here.
Geology Self-Guided Trail
Length: Varies
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy
Interpretive stops throughout the monument help visitors explore the geological processes that formed Fossil Butte and created one of the finest fossil preservation sites in North America.
Sources: National Park Service official Fossil Butte National Monument information covering visitor activities, fossil exhibits, quarry sites, geology, hiking opportunities, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
https://www.nps.gov/fobu/index.htmFossil Butte National Monument
Additional information regarding visitor experiences, fossil resources, interpretive programs, scenic overlooks, and monument history.
https://www.nps.gov/fobu/planyourvisit/things2do.htmFossil Butte National Monument - Things To Do
Supplemental trail information covering Historic Quarry Trail, Nature Trail, Rigby Trail, overlook areas, and geological interpretation throughout the monument.
https://www.nps.gov/fobu/planyourvisit/hiking.htmFossil Butte National Monument - Hiking
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the https://www.nps.gov/fobu/index.htm which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
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