fossil-butte | WY | Find park

Fish fossils, Knightia eocaena, exposed near cliff

Knightia eocaena, the most abundant vertebrate fossil in the world, lies exposed near cliff face.

a well preserved fossil fish, Cockerellites liops

Fossils from the Green River Formation are known for their excellent preservation, abundance, and diversity. Cockerellites liops is one of the common fishes found here.

Fossil palm fronds and other plants indicate a climate similar to the Gulf Coast states.

A scenic view of Fossil Basin in early summer; yellow limestone, red mudstones and green vegetation

Early Summer Beauty in the High Desert of Southwestern Wyoming

visitor center with Fossil Butte in the background

The visitor center is nestled in a sagebrush landscape beneath Fossil Butte. Over 300 fossils are on exhibit.

The moon rises just to the right of snow-covered Fossil Butte.

Fossil Butte is the most noticeable landmark of the park and where the monument got its name.

Physical Address:

864 Chicken Creek Road

Kemmerer, WY 83101

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 592

Kemmerer, WY 83101

contact-details

Phone Number: 3078774455 Voice

Email Address: fobu_information@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Monument

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).

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

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.

Weather Information:

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.