Fossil Butte National Monument, Monument in Kemmerer, Wyoming
Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument

Kemmerer · Wyoming

Overview

About Fossil Butte National Monument.

In the ridges of southwest Wyoming are some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. They tell the story of ancient life in a warm, wet environment in and around a freshwater lake. Stingrays swam in the lake. Turtles basked in the sun. Leaves rustled in the breeze while early horses darted between the trunks. We reveal more of the past with each fossil found.

HikingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

Expect a variety of weather conditions no matter what time of year you visit. Spring, fall and winter can be very cold with snow and icy conditions. In spring, daytime temperatures usually range from 30 F to 65 F. Summer daytime temperatures range from 60 F to 90 F. Fall daytime temperatures range from 45 F to 70 F. Winter daytime temperatures range from -20 F to 30 F.

Key Facts

TypeMonument
DesignationNational Monument

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Fossil Butte National Monument.

6 images

Things to do

Discover Fossil Butte National Monument.

Profile of a ridge on the left looking across a valley to another ridge in the middle distance.

Cundick Ridge Trail

1-2 Hours

This unmaintained trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip along an old dirt road. The trail follows Cundick Ridge to an overlook which provides an excellent view of the valley below. On clear days it is possible to see the Uinta Mountains in the distance.

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A trail leads downhill between shrubs and conifers. Ridges and valleys are visible in the distance.

Eagle Nest Point Trail

1-2 Hours

This unmaintained trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip along an old dirt road. The trail goes along a ridge to an overlook amid limber pine and Douglas fir. The overlook provides a great vantage point to view the canyons and ridges in the distance. This trail can be difficult to follow. Speak to a ranger at the visitor center before attempting this hike.

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A path leads down through aspen trees with bright green leaves on a sunny day with a bright blue sky

Fossil Butte Nature Trail

45-90 Minutes

This 1.5 mile (2.4 km) loop trail winds through sagebrush steppe and aspen groves. The signs discuss the ecosystems of the park and geology's effect on the plants that grow in the park.

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A road travels away through the valley with ridges and snow-capped mountains in the distance

Fossil Butte Scenic Drive

The scenic drive is 5.5 miles one way. The road takes you to the top of the ridgeline where you get great views of the valleys below. Wayside signs interpret the landscape. The last 3 miles is a steep gravel road not recommended for RVs or vehicles towing anything.

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An exhibit showing a dozen or so fossil fishes.

Fossil Butte Visitor Center Exhibits

20-60 Minutes

Stop by the visitor center to see the fossils of the animals that lived in Fossil Lake 52 million years ago.

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Several switchbacks of stairs lead up along the distinctive rock layers

Historic Quarry Trail

1-2 Hours

This 2.5 mile (4 km) loop trail provides an overview of the geology and paleontology of the park and surrounding area.

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A ranger talks to a group of people

Ranger Programs at Fossil Butte

Fossil Butte NM offers several different programs during the summer. Ask about the schedule at the visitor center.

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A two-track road leads through the grass up to the edge of a ridge. Trees are visible to the side.

Rubey Point Trail

2-3 Hours

This unmaintained trail is 3 miles / 4.8 km round trip along an old dirt road. The hike traverses a ridge to an overlook which provides a panoramic view. On clear days it is possible to see the Uinta Mountains and the Bear River and Monte Cristo Ranges.

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