Last updated: March 14, 2024
Thing to Do
Fossil Butte Nature Trail
NPS Photo
The Picnic Area, restrooms, and water are available at the start of this trail. This trail is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
This trail winds through sagebrush and a spring-fed aspen forest. Be sure to watch for wildlife as you hike. Wayside exhibits interpret the wildlife, plants, and geology of this high desert oasis. At the top, enjoy the scenic views at the benches overlooking Fossil Butte.
Come prepared for possible muddy conditions, especially in early or late summer. While the trail does pass through some shaded areas, we recommend you pack sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and bug spray.
The trail is open all year. However, the road leading to the Nature Trail is closed to driving as soon as the snow gets too high. This time varies each year, but the road is usually closed sometime in November and usually reopens sometime in May. Sking and snowshoeing are excellent alternatives for reaching the Nature Trail in the winter.
Please be cautious hiking at Fossil Butte National Monument. The trailhead is located at approximately 7000 ft (2134 m) elevation 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. Avoid hiking during thunderstorms.
Collecting fossils or other natural or cultural items is prohibited by federal law 36 CFR 2.1.
This trail winds through sagebrush and a spring-fed aspen forest. Be sure to watch for wildlife as you hike. Wayside exhibits interpret the wildlife, plants, and geology of this high desert oasis. At the top, enjoy the scenic views at the benches overlooking Fossil Butte.
Come prepared for possible muddy conditions, especially in early or late summer. While the trail does pass through some shaded areas, we recommend you pack sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and bug spray.
The trail is open all year. However, the road leading to the Nature Trail is closed to driving as soon as the snow gets too high. This time varies each year, but the road is usually closed sometime in November and usually reopens sometime in May. Sking and snowshoeing are excellent alternatives for reaching the Nature Trail in the winter.
Please be cautious hiking at Fossil Butte National Monument. The trailhead is located at approximately 7000 ft (2134 m) elevation 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. Avoid hiking during thunderstorms.
Collecting fossils or other natural or cultural items is prohibited by federal law 36 CFR 2.1.
Details
Duration
45-90 Minutes
This trail is a 1.5 mile loop where you gain 300 feet in elevation. As the trail is located at approximately 7000 feet, the hike is easy to moderate depending on how acclimated one is to the altitude. Generally the hike takes between 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
Activity
Hiking
This 1.5 mile (2.4 km) loop trail gains almost 300 feet (91 m) and begins at an elevation of 7000 ft (2134 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
Nature Trail parking lot
From Kemmerer, take US-30 W approximately 9 miles, then make a right onto County Road 300. After 2 miles, make a right onto Chicken Creek Rd, then, instead of following the road to the right to go to the visitor center, make a left. The Nature Trail is about 2 miles along on the right.
From the visitor center, make a right out of the parking lot onto Chicken Creek Rd. The Nature Trail is about 2 miles along on the right.
From the visitor center, make a right out of the parking lot onto Chicken Creek Rd. The Nature Trail is about 2 miles along on the right.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
The trail is accessible during the winter for snow shoeing, but the trail may be hard to follow when covered in snow. Additionally, as the road is closed from late fall through early spring, one would have to walk 2 miles along the road to reach the trail. During the spring the trail may be very muddy from snow melt. There is some shade on this trail but it can still be very hot during the summer.
Time of Day
Day
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
This dirt trail is a 1.5 mile loop where you gain 300 feet in elevation. The trail begins at approximately 7000 feet. The trail is generally only wide enough for a single file line.