Fossil Butte National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument is a United States national monument in Southwest Wyoming.

Understand

Fossil Butte National Monument is a unique paleontological site, where ecosystems of the 50-million-year-old Green River Formation of the ancient subtropical lake bed were unusually well preserved. The fossils include fish, alligators, bats, turtles, dog-sized horses, insects, and many other species of plants and animals.

Climate

Expect a variety of weather conditions no matter what time of year you visit. Spring, fall and winter can be very cold; expect snow and winter conditions.

• Spring: Day time temperatures usually range from 30 to 65 °F (−1 to 18 °C)
• Summer: Day time temperatures range from 60 to 90 °F (16 to 32 °C)
• Fall/autumn: Day time temperatures range from 45 to 70 °F (7 to 21 °C)
• Winter: Day time temperatures range from −20 to 30 °F (−29 to −1 °C).

Visitor information

• Park website
• 1 Fossil Butte Visitor Center, 864 Chicken Creek Road. May-September: daily 9AM-5:30PM; Oct-Nov 29: daily 8AM-4:30PM; Nov 30-Mar 7: Tu-Sa 8AM-4:30PM, closed holidays; Mar 8-Apr: daily 8AM-4:30PM. Over 300 fossils are on exhibit. Video programs feature what scientists have learned from the fossils and the rocks they're found in, and how fossils are excavated and prepared. Visitor Center hours vary by the season. (updated Jul 2020)

Get in

The visitor center can be reached along U.S. Highway 30 about 15 miles west of Kemmerer.

Fees and permits

There is no fee to enter the monument. Donations are welcome.

Do

• Fossil research quary. If you hike to Fossil research quary in summer Friday or Saturday between 11AM and 4PM, you'll have a chance to witness fossil excavation. (updated Oct 2015)
• Hike the 2½-mile Historic Quarry Trail or the 1½-mile Nature Trail
• Have a snack in the picnic area