| Activities at Fossil Butte
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There are many possible activities at Fossil Butte National Monument, whether you prefer exploring the park on your own or with a ranger.
Visitor Center
Entrance to the visitor center
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The visitor center is open every day, except winter holidays. From June through August, the
visitor center hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Between September and May, the
visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In the visitor center there is a full-color mural that depicts how life may have been 50 million years ago. Two videos, one presenting the fossil resources of the area, and the other discussing the quarrying and preparation techniques used to prepare specimens for study and/or display, are available. There are also exhibits of
more than 80 fossils that have been found in and near the park.
Visitor center atrium
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Trails and Hikes
There are two self-guided trails available in the monument, as shown on the park map.
The Historic Quarry Trail provides the opportunity for a closer look at a high desert environment and the site of a historic fossil quarry.
The Fossil Lake Trail winds through an aspen grove and affords visitors a look at the wildflowers and wildlife of the region.
Golden aspens on the Butte's slopes
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Hiking is also allowed throughout the monument, except for those areas that are
clearly marked as being closed. Elevations within the park range from 6600 feet
to over 8000 feet above sea level. Topographic maps are available for sale by
the Intermountain Natural History
Association in the visitor center.
Guided Hikes
During limited hours in the summer our research quarry is open to the public. We invite you to assist park staff with the excavation of fossils and the associated data collection. It is a great chance to see fossils come to light after 50 million years.
Please contact the park for specific days and times.
Porch Programs
Porch programs are provided daily during the summer at the visitor center by Fossil Butte staff. These programs provide visitors with a look at the geology, paleontology, biology, and history of the monument.
The Junior Park Ranger badge.
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Junior Ranger/Senior Ranger Program
To become a Junior or Senior Ranger, one need only have a desire to learn and a sense of wonder. By talking with a ranger, hiking a trail, touring the exhibits, and helping to prepare a fossil, children earn a Junior Ranger badge, adults a Fossil Butte patch, and their name
is entered in our permanent register.
Booklets are available at the visitor center. The program is intended for children ages 5 to 15 and adults ages 16 and up.
Oregon Trail
In 1843, the flood of emigrants began along the Oregon Trail. The Sublette Cutoff was first used in 1844. This route bypassed Fort Bridger and saved the emigrants 85 miles as they continued on to Oregon. the Sublette Cutoff passes
5 miles north of Fossil Butte. Southwest Wyoming is rich in Oregon Trail history.
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