Fossil Butte National Monument offers a variety of ranger programs during in the summer months.
Fossil Preparation Demonstrations
Fossils are often removed from the ground with a layer of rock covering the fossil. Watch a ranger use special tools to carefully remove the rock layer and prepare a fossil for display. This program is offered most days during the summer.
Ranger intern with visitors at the Research Quarry.
NPS photo
Fossil Quarry Program (Summer Only)
Ever wonder how fossils are found and collected? Join us in the Research Quarry and learn all about the job of a paleontologist and our ongoing research.
This program is available Fridays and Saturdays from June 23, 2023 through August 12, 2023 11 am to 3 pm. Prepare to hike a 1/2 mile up-hill, gaining about 350 feet in elevation. Be aware that there is no shade, water, or restrooms available at the quarry. Restrooms and water are available at the start of the Nature Trail, where you will begin this walk. Wear comfortable hiking boots and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. If you have not been to the quarry before, we suggest stopping by the visitor center for specific directions.
All fossils found and collected will remain in Fossil Butte's museum collection for scientific study. There are private, commercial quarries in the area where you can pay to dig for fossils. For information on private quarries, please visit the Fossil Basin Promotion Board webpage.
Reservations are not required. If you want to see the data from the fossils collected in the quarry, download the Fossil Lake Quarry Data Spreadsheet (Excel 0.25 MB). If you do not see recent data, check back as the document is updated periodically.
Check with the visitor center for a schedule of ranger talks.
NPS photo
Ranger Talks
Porch Talk: Learn about the fossils or geology of Fossil Butte in this 15-25 minute program. Offered weekends and some weekdays during the summer.
