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Fossil Butte National Monument guided hike for kids
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Fossil Butte National Monument
Ranger Programs
 
porch program

NPS photo

Porch Programs, offered daily during the summer months, introduce visitors to the geology and paleontology of Fossil Butte. Approximately 20-30 minutes in length.

 
quarry program

NPS photo

Quarry Program: "Aquarium in Stone" What better way to explore a fossil park than with a paleontologist in a fossil quarry. On Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, 11:00am-4:00pm (weather permitting) visitors can participate in the scientific collection of fossils. This is a great opportunity to get your hands dirty and see a fossil revealed after being buried in stone for 50 million years!

All fossils remain in the monument's museum collection for scientific study. Allow 1.5 hours for this program.

If you discovered a fossil while participating in this program, go here to view the data collected.

 
geology hike

NPS photo

Guided Hikes The summer schedule offers a variety of guided hikes. Inquire at the visitor center for details on geology hikes, wildflower walks, night hikes, children's hikes, and birding opportunities.
hiking through an aspen grove
Hiking Trails
Hiking is a great way to explore the geology and experience the high desert environment.
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preparing a fossil
For Kids
Hey kids!  Check out the cool things to do on your visit to Fossil Butte National Monument.
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arrowleaf balsomroot
Nearby Attractions
Visit J.C. Penney's first store, the grave of an Oregon Trail emigrant, and observe wildhorses.
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Diplomystus dentatus, NPS photo of Fossil Country Museum specimen

Did You Know?
Railroad workers played a major role in the discovery of fossils from the Green River Formation. In the late 1860's, Union Pacific workers uncovered the first major fossil fish beds (Lake Gosiute) near the town of Green River, Wyoming.

Last Updated: April 08, 2009 at 15:07 MST