Things To Do

Hiking the Chicken Creek Nature Trail in September

NPS photo

 

If you have an hour, spend your time in the visitor center. You can see over 300 fossils, two video programs and fossil preparation demonstrations. You'd also have time to become a Junior or Senior Ranger.

If you have two hours, spend one at the visitor center. Then consider hiking one of the interpretive trails, take the scenic drive, enjoy lunch in the picnic area or participate in a ranger program.

If you have three to four hours, you have plenty of time to check out the visitor center and scenic drive, hike one or both trails, enjoy a picnic lunch, and become a Junior or Senior Ranger.

 

NPS photo

If you visit on a summer Friday or Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., hike to the fossil research quarry for an introduction to the geology and paleontology of Fossil Basin. You'll have time for lunch in the shaded picnic area and to explore the visitor center.

 

If you have a full day or more, spend a day exploring the national monument, and use the rest to check out attractions in the area.

The first J.C. Penney store, Mr. Penney's original homestead, and the Fossil Country Museum are located in Kemmerer. The Sublett Cutoff of the Oregon Trail is approximately 5 miles north of the monument (high clearance vehicle required), and Fort Bridger State Historic Park is 45 minutes from Fossil Butte National Monument.