Last updated: January 11, 2024
Thing to Do
Historic Quarry Trail
NPS Photo
The Historic Quarry Trail offers a great way to experience the geology of Fossil Butte. You will pass through parts of the Wasatch and Green River Formations. A short, side loop leads to a historic fossil quarry. Wayside exhibits provide information about the geology and paleontology of the park. Be aware that fossils are not visible along the trail. Fossils are on display in the visitor center.
This 2.5 mile loop trail begins at an elevation of 6675 feet (2035 m) elevation and gains almost 700 ft (213 m). This trail is considered moderate to strenuous depending on how acclimated one is to the elevation. Restrooms, water, and a small picnic area are available at the start of the trail. This trail is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Please be cautious hiking at Fossil Butte National Monument. The trailhead is located at an elevation of 6675 feet (2035 m) in a desert; you will get sunburned and dehydrated more easily than at lower elevations. The air is also much thinner than at lower elevations and can put more strain on you. There is no shade on the trail and conditions can get very hot during the summer. As dry as the landscape may look, hidden streams and ponds attract plenty of mosquitoes during the summer months. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, and plenty of water. Avoid hiking in thunderstorms.
Collecting fossils or other natural or cultural items is prohibited by federal law 36 CFR 2.1.
This 2.5 mile loop trail begins at an elevation of 6675 feet (2035 m) elevation and gains almost 700 ft (213 m). This trail is considered moderate to strenuous depending on how acclimated one is to the elevation. Restrooms, water, and a small picnic area are available at the start of the trail. This trail is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Please be cautious hiking at Fossil Butte National Monument. The trailhead is located at an elevation of 6675 feet (2035 m) in a desert; you will get sunburned and dehydrated more easily than at lower elevations. The air is also much thinner than at lower elevations and can put more strain on you. There is no shade on the trail and conditions can get very hot during the summer. As dry as the landscape may look, hidden streams and ponds attract plenty of mosquitoes during the summer months. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, and plenty of water. Avoid hiking in thunderstorms.
Collecting fossils or other natural or cultural items is prohibited by federal law 36 CFR 2.1.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
This trail is a 2.5 mile loop where you gain 600 feet in elevation. As the trail is located at approximately 7000 feet, the hike is moderate to strenuous depending on how acclimated one is to the altitude. Generally the hike takes between one and two hours.
Activity
Hiking
A 2.5 mile (4 km) loop trail gaining almost 700 feet (213 m) in elevation beginning at an elevation of 6675 feet (2035 m).
Pets Allowed
Yes
Dogs must be on a 6-foot or less leash and under control at all times. Please pick up after your dog.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Historic Quarry Parking Lot
From Kemmerer, take US-30 W approximately 9 miles, then make a right onto County Road 300. The Historic Quarry Trail is approximately 1/2 mile along on the right.
From visitor center, head south on Chicken Creek Rd, turn left on County Road 300, then make the next left into the parking lot for the Historic Quarry Trail.
From visitor center, head south on Chicken Creek Rd, turn left on County Road 300, then make the next left into the parking lot for the Historic Quarry Trail.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The trail is accessible during the winter for snow shoeing, but the trail may be hard to follow when covered in snow. During the spring the trail may be very muddy from snow melt. There is no shade on this trail and it can be very hot during the summer.
Time of Day
Day
The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
This dirt trail is a 2.5 mile loop where you gain 600 feet in elevation. The trailhead is located at approximately 6675 feet (2035 m) elevation. The trail is generally only wide enough for a single file line. At the top of the loop there is a section with several flights of stairs that allow you to climb up to the historic quarry.