Fossils are evidence of ancient life. They are irreplaceable pieces of America's geologic heritage and tell the stories of America long before the United States existed. Fossils are found in the rocks, museum collections, and cultural contexts of more than 260 National Park Service areas and span every period of geologic time from billion-year-old stromatolites to Ice Age mammals that lived a few thousand years ago.
Preserving Our Rich Fossil Heritage
Explore National Park Fossils
An NPS paleontologist visits a large fossil trackway in sandstone at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ & UT.
Last updated: July 28, 2016