EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES. ENDURING STORIES.

Fossil Butte National Monument

An ancient lake preserved in stone
Wyoming
Scenic header: Cockerellites liops is one of the more commonly found fishes in and around Fossil Butte National Monument. · NPS Photo · Photo credits
TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER

An ancient lake preserved in stone

Exquisitely preserved fish, plants and other fossils reveal an ancient subtropical lake environment. The quiet high-desert setting makes an effective contrast to the world represented in the exhibits.

A dark brown, football-shaped fossil fish with a fan-shaped tail and spines standing up on its back.
Cockerellites liops is one of the more commonly found fishes in and around Fossil Butte National Monument.
NPS Photo · Photo credits
Hills with tan and red sediments partially covered with green vegetation.
The red and purple layers of the Wasatch Formation sit below the ridgeline of Fossil Butte.
NPS Photo / John Collins · Photo credits
BUILD A MEMORABLE VISIT

What to explore

  • 01Visitor-center fossils
  • 02Historic Quarry Trail
  • 03Scenic drive

Before you go

Check seasonal road access and available programs. Fossils in the monument are protected and may not be collected.

Give the place time

Choose a manageable walk, viewpoint or tour, and allow time for interpretation. Gateway areas help orient the visit; they are not exact entrance directions.

Make the details easy

Confirm the specific facilities, walking surfaces and vehicle access your group needs. Tours, transport and special access may require separate arrangements.

Official visitor information ↗Plan your visit →

Check the official source for current access, hours, fees, reservations, permits and alerts. Photos may show earlier conditions. Suggested highlights are visit ideas, not a guarantee that every area is currently open.