Last updated: March 14, 2024
Thing to Do
Fossil Butte Scenic Drive
NPS Photo / J. Kennedy
The scenic drives starts just outside the visitor center parking lot and is paved for 2.5 miles until the Nature Trail parking lot. RVs and vehicles towing anything should turn around at the Nature Trail as the scenic drive turns to gravel and has a 17% grade. The drive continues for another 3 miles. You can exit the park onto Bureau of Land Management (BLM) roads but will need a 4-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle and a map from the BLM office. If you have crossed cattle guards, you are on the BLM roads.
The scenic drive takes you to the top of a ridge, providing views of the valleys below. Along the scenic drive are two parking lots. The first on the right/east is the trailhead for Eagle Nest Point and Cundick Ridge. The second on the left/west is the trailhead for Rubey Point. All of these trails are unmaintained.
Starting at the park entrance sign and continuing up the whole scenic drive are 10 wayside signs that provide information about geology and the landscape that you can see from the signs.
The scenic drive takes you to the top of a ridge, providing views of the valleys below. Along the scenic drive are two parking lots. The first on the right/east is the trailhead for Eagle Nest Point and Cundick Ridge. The second on the left/west is the trailhead for Rubey Point. All of these trails are unmaintained.
Starting at the park entrance sign and continuing up the whole scenic drive are 10 wayside signs that provide information about geology and the landscape that you can see from the signs.
Details
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on a 6-foot-or-less leash and under control at all times. Please pick up after them and dispose of poop in trash cans.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
The scenic drive is closed during winter due to snow. It usually closes in November and reopens in May. Please call the visitor center (307-877-4455) to see if it is open.
Time of Day
Day
The park is open from dawn till dusk. For visitor center hours, please call the front desk at 307-877-4455.
Accessibility Information
The paved portion is accessible to all vehicles. The steep gravel section is not recommeded for RVs or vehicles towing anything.
There are no ammenities along the scenic drive. There are wayside signs interpreting the landscape. Check out our park on the NPS app for descriptions of the waysides that should be accessible to screen readers (waysides will be installed summer 2022).
There are no ammenities along the scenic drive. There are wayside signs interpreting the landscape. Check out our park on the NPS app for descriptions of the waysides that should be accessible to screen readers (waysides will be installed summer 2022).