Fossil Butte National Monument

Today's climate is semiarid with low relative humidity, lots of sunshine, and considerable wind. Snow falls November through May.

No Fees.

If you have an hour, spend your time in the visitor center. You can see over 80 fossils, two video programs and fossil preparation demonstrations. You'd also have time to become a Junior or Senior Ranger.

If you have two hours, spend the first at the visitor center. Then consider hiking one of the interpretive trails, take the scenic drive, or participate in a ranger program.

If you have three to four hours, you have plenty of time to check out the visitor center and scenic drive, hike one or both trails, and become a Junior or Senior Ranger.

If you visit on a summer weekend, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., hike to the fossil research quarry and assist park staff as they collect fossils. You'll have time for lunch in the shaded picnic area and to explore the visitor center.

If you have a full day or more, save half a day to explore the national monument, and use the rest to check out attractions in the area.

The first J.C. Penney store, Mr. Penney's original homestead, and the Fossil Country Museum are located in Kemmerer. The Sublett Cutoff of the Oregon Trail is approximately 5 miles north of the monument (high clearance vehicle required), and Fort Bridger State Historic Park is 45 minutes from Fossil Butte National Monument.

A 7.5-mile scenic drive (3.5 miles paved, 4 gravel) provides another view of Fossil Butte and the surrounding area. Wayside exhibits along the paved section interpret the present-day wildlife and the subtropical environment of 50 million years ago. Visitors driving LARGE RV'S OR PULLING TRAILERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TURN AROUND AT THE PICNIC AREA. The gravel road beyond the picnic area parking lot is narrow and steep. Allow 30 minutes to an hour to complete the drive.

Wildflowers in Sagebrush Country Wildflowers of many colors abound in the various plant communities of the monument. In late May and early June, the low growing cushion plants explode into bloom. In June and July, watch for larkspur, sego lily, camas, paintbrush, blue flax, lupine, phlox, geranium, wild rose, and shooting star just to name a few.

Night Sky Viewing Lots of open space and almost no light pollution make Fossil Butte National Monument a good place to view the night sky.

Chicken Creek Picnic Area Aspen trees shade the picnic area 2.5 miles north of the visitor center. Tables, charcoal grills, and water are available. The walkway from the parking area, one picnic table, and vault toilet are wheelchair accessible. The parking area is suitable for trailers and RV's.

Historic Quarry Trail
Hiking the 2.5 mile Historic Quarry Trail is a great way to experience the geology of Fossil Butte National Monument. The trail passes through parts of the Wasatch and Green River formations. A short side loop leads to the site of a historic fossil quarry on Fossil Butte. Wayside exhibits provide information about geology, area history, wildlife and plants of the high desert. The trail is moderately strenuous with a 200m (600') elevation gain. Allow 1.5-3 hours to hike the trail.

Fossil Lake Trail
The 1.5-mile Fossil Lake Trail winds through sagebrush and a spring-fed aspen forest. Be sure to watch for wildlife as you hike this trail. Wayside exhibits interpret the wildlife, plants, and geology of this high desert oasis. The trail has an elevation gain of 90m (300'). Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to hike the trail.

Road Hiking
Visitors are invited to hike two-track dirt roads in the north half of Fossil Butte National Monument. Two roads (1–mile each, one way) access scenic overlooks on the east side of Cundick Ridge. The Ruby Point road (1.5 miles, one way) leads to an overlook to the west. Mule deer are often observed. Please do not block gates when parking.

Wildlife Viewing

"Is sagebrush the only thing that grows here?" "Where are the animals?" you may ask. From a distance, this place may appear desolate. A closer look reveals springs and seeps that support aspen groves, willow thickets, beaver ponds, limber pine forests, and other plant communities. These different habitats are home to a variety of animals and plants.

Bicycling is allowed in the monument but must remain on designated roads. They are not allowed on interpretive trails. Two gated dirt roads offer short rides to scenic overlooks on Cundick Ridge. Check at the visitor center for details.

The Sublette Cutoff of the Oregon Trail passes 5 miles north of Fossil Butte National Monument. "Emigrant Springs", an aspen grove and spring where weary emigrants rested before venturing west, is accessed via 15 miles of gravel road. Graves of emigrants who died along the trail in the 1800's are accessible from the main gravel road via one mile of deeply rutted dirt road. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.

Nearby Kemmerer is the home of the first J.C. Penney store and Penney's original homestead.

Kemmerer's Fossil Country Museum introduces visitors to coal mining, bootlegging, cattle rustling, and fossils of the area.

Fort Bridger State Historic Park is approximately 60 miles south of the national monument. Fort Bridger, established as an emigrant supply stop along the Oregon Trail in 1843, became a military outpost in 1858. Several restored historic buildings, a trading post and museum remain on site.

Other nearby attractions

• Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
• Wildhorses
• Wyoming Big Springs Backway