National Park Service: Fossil Butte National Monument

Quick Facts

ADDRESS:
Fossil Butte National Monument
P.O. Box 592
Kemmerer, Wy 83101

TELEPHONE:
(307) 877 4455
fax: (307) 877 4457

PARK MAP

QUESTIONS
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General Information

Location:

Southwestern Wyoming, 15 miles west of Kemmerer on Highway 30.

Acreage:

Federal: 8,198

Operating Hours, Seasons:

June-August, visitor center hours 8:00a-7:00p; winter visitor center hours 8-4:30 (September through May). Closed winter holidays.

Climate, Recommended Clothing:

Summer: warm days and moderate evenings, light jacket needed most evenings, sturdy shoes needed for hiking, protection from sun recommended. Spring, fall and winter can be very cold, expect snow and winter conditions. Light frosts are common on summer nights.

Visitation:

The annual visitation of 25,000 is concentrated in June, July and August. Heavy school group visitation takes place in May and September.

Directions:

Park Map. Kemmerer, Wyoming is located 45 miles north of Interstate 80 on highway 189 in southwestern Wyoming. From Kemmerer travel 15 miles west on highway 30 and follow the signs an additional 4 miles to the park visitor center.

Transportation:

No commercial transportation or tour busses are available. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle, while some visit on bicycles.

Fees, Costs, Rates:

No entrance fee, a donation box is available at the visitor center.

Facilities And Opportunities:

Visitor Center, Exhibits:

Over 75 fossils are on display including a 13-foot crocodile, the oldest known fully articulated bat and a mass mortality of 356 fish. Video programs, fossil preparation demonstrations, and a book store are available at the visitor center.

The visitor center is handicapped accessible.

Restrooms and water are available at the visitor center.

Trails, Roads and Picnic Area:

Two maintained hiking trails let visitors explore the area. No trails are provided for the blind or those using wheelchairs. Vault toilets, located at each trailhead, are wheelchair accessible. Hikers will experience elevation gains with some steep downhill segments.

The 2.5 mile Historic Quarry Trail is self-guided by wayside exhibits that include information on the history, geology, wildlife and plants of the high desert. A short side loop leads to the site of an historic quarry. It is moderately strenuous with a 200m (600') elevation gain.

The 1.5 mile Fossil Lake Trail winds around and through a grove of aspen trees. Wayside exhibits interpret the wildlife, plants and geology of this high desert oasis. It has an elevation gain of 90m (300').

The picnic area is shaded by aspen trees; tables, charcoal grills, and water are available, and one picnic table is handicap accessible.

Programs, Activities:

Summer: Weekend guided tours of active research quarry, daily paleontology/geology programs including fossil preparation demonstrations.

All Year: Jr. Ranger program for kids 5 to 15 and Sr. Ranger program for people 16 and up.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:

None in park, motels, RV and tent camping are available in Kemmerer. Other camping is available within 50 miles. Check the Kemmerer Chamber of Commerce page for more information.

Food Supplies:

There is no food service at the park, but it is available in Kemmerer or other nearby communities.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

None.

Accessibility:

Visitor center and picnic area are wheel chair accessible.

Special Needs:

Bus parking available at visitor center and picnic area.

Recommended Activities, Park Use:

Plan 45 minutes to an hour at the visitor center to view the exhibits and watch the videos. Allow 1 hour to hike the Fossil Lake Trail and 2-3 hours for the Historic Quarry Trail.

Reservations, Permits:

Large groups are required to have a visitor use permit for the picnic area.

Visitor Impacts:

All objects in the monument (i.e. rocks, fossils, artifacts, plants and wildlife) must be left in place and undisturbed so others may enjoy them. This protection is not only the law, it is a matter of good citizenship and consideration of others.

Adjacent Visitor Attractions:

The Fossil Country Frontier Museum is located in Kemmerer as is the original J.C. Penny "mother store" and its founder's home. The Kemmerer Chamber of Commerce at (307) 877-9761 can provide additional information.

The Oregon Trail and several trail cutoffs pass nearby. Explore the Park Service's Oregon National Historic Trail website, or contact the local BLM office at 307-828-4500 for more information.