Fossil Butte National Monument

Things To Do Near Fossil Butte National Monument

Start your trip to Fossil Butte National Monument in the Visitor Center, where a museum shows off some of the fossils that were taken from the butte. Afterward, head outside to drive the scenic road, hike through the high-desert landscape, or enjoy a picnic with a view. About 15 miles east, the town of Kemmerer offers everything you need in terms of supplies, shopping, and dining.

Hiking Trails

• Historic Quarry Trail

  If you're interested in geology, hike the Historic Quarry Trail. From the trailhead, it climbs through the limestone, mudstone, and ash of the Green River Formations. As you walk along the side of the butte, you'll see a historic cabin. Take the spur trail up to the historic quarry where archaeologists and paleontologists first unearthed fossils. On the way back, you'll pass through the Wasatch Formation.

  Location

  Historic Quarry parking area

  Length

  2.5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Nature Trail

  Enjoy the views from the Nature Trail, which travels in a 1.5-mile loop from the picnic area. Follow the trail as it takes you through hills covered in sagebrush, through the trees, and into a beautiful stand of aspens. Keep an eye out for the beaver pond. Along the way, you'll find plenty of benches that provide a place to rest and take in the scenery. In the winter, the trail is a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

  Location

  Fossil Butte picnic area

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Cundick Ridge Road

  See Fossil Butte from another angle on the Cundick Ridge Road. This unmaintained two-track road is no longer open to vehicles; instead, you can hike one mile out to the Cundick Ridge Overlook, which sits high above the desert floor. The views are spectacular, particularly at sunset. Keep in mind that the access road is rough and not suitable for RVs; you can park at the picnic area and walk up the road to the trail.

  Location

  South Cundick Ridge and Eagle Nest Point Road parking area

  Length

  2 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Journey Through Time Exhibit

  From the Visitor Center, head outside to check out the Journey Through Time exhibit. It creates a timeline of the Earth, including major events that shaped the geology and ecology of Wyoming. The grand scale is a striking physical representation of history; it puts human existence into perspective and illustrates the passage of time before and after Fossil Lake.

  Location

  Visitor Center, 864 Chicken Creek Road, Kemmerer, WY 83101

• Chicken Creek Road Scenic Drive

  Enjoy the stunning Wyoming landscape from the comfort of your vehicle on the Chicken Creek Road Scenic Drive. Drive along the western side of the park, taking in the views and stopping at the scenic overlooks along the way. The road is often closed in the winter months; ask at the Visitor Center to find out about current conditions.

  Location

  Visitor Center, 864 Chicken Creek Road, Kemmerer, WY 8310

• Research Quarry

  If you're coming to Fossil Butte National Monument in the summer, plan to join a program at the Research Quarry. Rangers explain how paleontologists work, both now and in the past. Depending on the day, you might even get to meet one of the researchers who is excavating and preserving the fossils at the site.

  Location

  Visitor Center, 864 Chicken Creek Road, Kemmerer, WY 83101

Museums

• Fossil Butte National Monument Visitor Center Museum

  Start your trip to Fossil Butte National Monument in the Visitor Center's museum. Packed with hundreds of impeccably preserved fossils, it introduces you to Wyoming's past. Walls of fossils from fish, turtles, crocodiles, mammals, reptiles, plants, and birds offer a glimpse at the many species that thrived in the lake. Don't miss the Catastrophe Display, which uses fossils to illustrate how lake conditions changed drastically and quickly. The museum also features two dioramas that show the tropical conditions around Fossil Lake millions of years ago. 

  Location

  Visitor Center, 864 Chicken Creek Road, Kemmerer, WY 83101

• J.C. Penney House & Museum

  The J.C. Penney House & Museum is set in the former home of James Cash Penney, who founded the J.C. Penney department store in the early 1900s. Inside, you can explore the different rooms, learn about the retail empire, and discover how people lived at the turn of the century. 

  Location

  J.C. Penney Drive and Lignite St., Kemmerer, WY 83101

• Fossil Country Frontier Museum

  Step back in time at the Fossil Country Frontier Museum, a quirky spot built inside a historic gym. A series of artifacts and photos explain Kemmerer's past. Check out vintage clothing, learn about farming and ranching in Wyoming, and explore the unique Fossil Country Mine coal-mining room.

  Location

  400 Pine Ave., Kemmerer, WY 83101

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• In Stone Fossils

  Pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir at In Stone Fossils. This beautiful store carries a selection of small and large fossils preserved in rocks and transformed into home decor. 

  Location

  413 Coral St., Kemmerer, WY 83101

• Wyoming Fossils

  Take home a piece of the Green River Formation at Wyoming Fossils. The owners dig for many of the shop's pieces themselves; you can also choose from fossil lamps, geodes, and other geological treasures.

  Location

  921 Pine Ave., Kemmerer, WY 83101

• Scroungy Moose Pizza

  Pick up a pizza to go at Scroungy Moose Pizza, which is tucked into the ground floor of a beautiful building. Build your own pizza from the list of ingredients, or try one of the house-specialty pies.

  Location

  179 WY-233, Kemmerer, WY 83101

• Bootleggers

  You'll feel like you've stepped into the past at Bootleggers, a historic spot with a Western-themed interior. The menu includes classic meat-and-potatoes dishes, but you'll also find a small selection of burgers and a salad bar.

  Location

  817 S. Main St., Kemmerer, WY 83101

• Place on Pine

  Place on Pine is a classic American diner that offers everything from big egg breakfasts to burgers and hot sandwiches. At dinner, try the fish tacos or the carne asada.

  Location

  919 Pine Ave., Kemmerer, WY 83101

How To Get To Fossil Butte National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument is located in southwestern Wyoming, just north of US-30. If you're traveling on I-80, take US-189 or WY-412 north to Kemmerer. Head west on US-30, and take County Road 300 and Chicken Creek Road to reach the Visitor Center.

Address

864 Chicken Creek Road, Kemmerer, WY 83101

Fee: Entry fee $0

Whether you're interested in geology, paleontology, or scenic views, Fossil Butte National Monument is a memorable destination. Come in the summer for the full schedule of ranger-led activities, or visit in the winter to explore the wild landscape on snowshoes. No matter when you visit, an RV is a great way to camp comfortably and surround yourself with Wyoming's natural beauty.