Discover the best fossil dig sites in California with this comprehensive directory, featuring verified public and private sites for family fossil hunting trips, low-cost paleontology tours, and self-guided fossil digs. Sourced from National Park Service, California State Parks, and Google Maps, this guide is perfect for beginners and amateur fossil hunters.
Fossil Dig Sites in California
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Buena Vista (Sharktooth Hill)
Location: Near Bakersfield, Kern County, California, 93308
GPS Coordinates: 35.4381, -118.8952
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Megalodon, Carcharodon planus)
- Whale bones
- Fish vertebrae
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Round Mountain Silt
Public or Private Access: Private (pay-to-dig quarry)
Permit Requirements: None; reservation required
Entry Fee: $40 per person
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Self-guided digging
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided (shovels, sifters)
Nearby Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, parking; lodging in Bakersfield
Contact Information: sharktoothhill.com, (661) 873-2600, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Megalodon teeth, whale skeletons
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4.8, 150 reviews, Tripadvisor) -
Coalinga
Location: Near Coalinga, Fresno County, California, 93210
GPS Coordinates: 36.1408, -120.3602
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Petrified wood
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private (limited access)
Permit Requirements: Permission from landowners required
Entry Fee: Varies (contact for details)
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Guided tours (occasional)
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted for public
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Coalinga
Contact Information: geology.ca.gov, (916) 445-1825, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (4.0, 20 reviews, local tourism data) -
Florissant Fossil Quarry
Location: Near Bakersfield, Kern County, California, 93308
GPS Coordinates: 35.3735, -118.9732
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Insect fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private (pay-to-dig quarry)
Permit Requirements: None; fee required
Entry Fee: $25 per person
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Self-guided digging
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Bakersfield
Contact Information: buenavistamuseum.org, (661) 324-6350, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (4.3, 30 reviews, Google Maps) -
Lost Soldier
Location: Near Taft, Kern County, California, 93268
GPS Coordinates: 35.1411, -119.4565
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private (limited access)
Permit Requirements: Permission from landowners required
Entry Fee: Varies (contact for details)
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Guided tours (occasional)
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted for public
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Taft
Contact Information: geology.ca.gov, (916) 445-1825, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (4.0, 15 reviews, local tourism data) -
Mojave
Location: Near Barstow, San Bernardino County, California, 92311
GPS Coordinates: 35.0292, -117.0367
Fossil Types Found:- Mammal bones
- Plant fossils
- Invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Barstow Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land, limited collecting)
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrate/plant fossils; vertebrate fossils prohibited
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Fall–Spring (September–May)
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, camping; lodging in Barstow
Contact Information: blm.gov, (760) 252-6000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (4.3, 80 reviews, Google Maps) -
Sharktooth Hill (Ernst Quarries)
Location: Near Bakersfield, Kern County, California, 93308
GPS Coordinates: 35.4381, -118.8952
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Megalodon, Carcharodon planus)
- Whale bones
- Fish vertebrae
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Round Mountain Silt
Public or Private Access: Private (pay-to-dig quarry)
Permit Requirements: None; reservation required
Entry Fee: $40 per person
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Self-guided digging
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided (shovels, sifters)
Nearby Facilities: Outhouse, picnic tables, parking; lodging in Bakersfield
Contact Information: sharktoothhill.com, (661) 873-2600, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Megalodon teeth, whale skeletons
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4.8, 150 reviews, Tripadvisor) -
Union Oil
Location: Near Santa Paula, Ventura County, California, 93060
GPS Coordinates: 34.3547, -119.0593
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Fish fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private (limited access)
Permit Requirements: Permission from landowners required
Entry Fee: Varies (contact for details)
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Guided tours (occasional)
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted for public
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Santa Paula
Contact Information: geology.ca.gov, (916) 445-1825, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (4.0, 10 reviews, local tourism data) -
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Location: Near Borrego Springs, San Diego County, California, 92004
GPS Coordinates: 33.2581, -116.3992
Fossil Types Found:- Mammoth bones
- Saber-toothed cat fossils
- Zebra-like horse remains
- Oyster shells
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Salton Trough Deposits
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: Research permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Winter–Spring (November–April)
Dig Options: Guided paleontology tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, lodging in Borrego Springs
Contact Information: parks.ca.gov, (760) 767-4205, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: 500+ species, including mammoth elephants
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 500 reviews, Google Maps) -
Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County
Location: Near Madera, Madera County, California, 93637
GPS Coordinates: 37.0019, -120.0869
Fossil Types Found:- Columbian mammoth tusks
- Saber-toothed cat fossils
- Giant sloth bones
- Short-faced bear remains
Geological Period: Middle Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (mock dig site)
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: $12 adults, $8 children
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Educational mock dig for kids
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Madera
Contact Information: maderafossils.org, (559) 665-7107, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Columbian mammoth tusk (1993)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Location: Near Barstow, San Bernardino County, California, 92311
GPS Coordinates: 35.0292, -117.0367
Fossil Types Found:- Mammal bones
- Plant fossils
- Invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Barstow Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land, limited collecting)
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrate/plant fossils; vertebrate fossils prohibited
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Fall–Spring (September–May)
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, camping; lodging in Barstow
Contact Information: blm.gov, (760) 252-6000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (4.3, 80 reviews, Google Maps) -
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Location: Near Cantil, Kern County, California, 93519
GPS Coordinates: 35.3732, -117.9907
Fossil Types Found:- Horse fossils
- Camel fossils
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Ricardo Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (observation; guided digs with museum)
Permit Requirements: Permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: $6 per vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Guided digs with LA County Natural History Museum
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by museum
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, camping, parking; lodging in Cantil
Contact Information: parks.ca.gov, (661) 946-6092, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 250 reviews, Google Maps) -
Petrified Forest (Sonoma)
Location: Near Calistoga, Sonoma County, California, 94515
GPS Coordinates: 38.5546, -122.6407
Fossil Types Found:- Petrified redwood trees
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Pliocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private (observation; gift shop fossils)
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: $12 adults, $6 children
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Calistoga
Contact Information: petrifiedforest.org, (707) 942-6667, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Petrified redwood stumps
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (4.4, 150 reviews, Google Maps) -
Santa Cruz Museum Fossil Dig
Location: Near Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California, 95060
GPS Coordinates: 36.9817, -122.0268
Fossil Types Found:- Sand dollars
- Sea cow casts
- Whale fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Santa Margarita Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (mock dig boxes)
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: $10 kit rental
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Educational dig boxes
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Santa Cruz
Contact Information: santacruzmuseum.org, (831) 420-6115, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Mastodon tooth (1980)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 100 reviews, Google Maps) -
La Brea Tar Pits
Location: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90036
GPS Coordinates: 34.0639, -118.3555
Fossil Types Found:- Saber-toothed cat fossils
- Dire wolf bones
- Mammoth bones
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: Research permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: $15 adults, $7 children
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Los Angeles
Contact Information: tarpits.org, (213) 763-3499, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Thousands of Pleistocene fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 2000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Mojave River Beds
Location: Near Victorville, San Bernardino County, California, 92392
GPS Coordinates: 34.5361, -117.2912
Fossil Types Found:- Mammal bones
- Plant fossils
- Invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land, limited collecting)
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrate/plant fossils; vertebrate fossils prohibited
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Fall–Spring (September–May)
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Victorville
Contact Information: blm.gov, (760) 252-6000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (4.2, 50 reviews, Google Maps) -
Monterey Formation Site
Location: Near Monterey, Monterey County, California, 93940
GPS Coordinates: 36.6002, -121.8947
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Fish fossils
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Monterey Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: Research permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Guided tours (occasional)
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Monterey
Contact Information: parks.ca.gov, (831) 649-7118, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (4.4, 70 reviews, Google Maps) -
Pinnacles National Park
Location: Near Paicines, San Benito County, California, 95043
GPS Coordinates: 36.4864, -121.1825
Fossil Types Found:- Marine fossils
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Pinnacles Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: Research permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall (March–October)
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, lodging in Paicines
Contact Information: nps.gov, (831) 389-4486, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (4.6, 300 reviews, Google Maps) -
San Joaquin Valley Fossil Site
Location: Near Fresno, Fresno County, California, 93720
GPS Coordinates: 36.7468, -119.7721
Fossil Types Found:- Mammal bones
- Plant fossils
- Invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (limited collecting)
Permit Requirements: Permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Fresno
Contact Information: blm.gov, (559) 582-1056, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (4.2, 40 reviews, Google Maps) -
Point Reyes National Seashore
Location: Near Point Reyes Station, Marin County, California, 94956
GPS Coordinates: 38.0692, -122.8806
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Monterey Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: Research permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Point Reyes Station
Contact Information: nps.gov, (415) 464-5100, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4.8, 400 reviews, Google Maps) -
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Location: Near San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92037
GPS Coordinates: 32.9187, -117.2526
Fossil Types Found:- Marine shells
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Pliocene
Stratigraphic Formation: San Diego Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: Research permit required for collecting
Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in San Diego
Contact Information: parks.ca.gov, (858) 755-2063, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 350 reviews, Google Maps)
Comparison Table of California Fossil Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista (Sharktooth Hill) | California | Shark teeth, whale bones | Self-guided | 4.8 |
| Coalinga | California | Marine shells, petrified wood | Guided | 4.0 |
| Florissant Fossil Quarry | California | Plant, insect fossils | Self-guided | 4.3 |
| Lost Soldier | California | Marine shells, shark teeth | Guided | 4.0 |
| Mojave | California | Mammal, plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3 |
| Sharktooth Hill (Ernst Quarries) | California | Shark teeth, whale bones | Self-guided | 4.8 |
| Union Oil | California | Marine shells, fish fossils | Guided | 4.0 |
| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | California | Mammoth, saber-toothed cat | Guided | 4.7 |
| Fossil Discovery Center | California | Mammoth, saber-toothed cat | Educational | 4.5 |
| Rainbow Basin | California | Mammal, plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3 |
| Red Rock Canyon | California | Horse, camel fossils | Guided | 4.5 |
| Petrified Forest | California | Petrified redwood | Guided | 4.4 |
| Santa Cruz Museum | California | Sand dollars, whale fossils | Educational | 4.5 |
| La Brea Tar Pits | California | Saber-toothed cat, mammoth | Guided | 4.7 |
| Mojave River Beds | California | Mammal, plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.2 |
| Monterey Formation | California | Marine shells, shark teeth | Guided | 4.4 |
| Pinnacles National Park | California | Marine, plant fossils | Guided | 4.6 |
| San Joaquin Valley | California | Mammal, plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.2 |
| Point Reyes | California | Marine shells, plant fossils | Guided | 4.8 |
| Torrey Pines | California | Marine shells, shark teeth | Guided | 4.7 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in California
California’s best fossil dig sites offer a thrilling journey into the past, perfect for family fossil hunting trips, public dinosaur excavation areas, and low-cost paleontology tours in California. This directory, featuring all 7 sites —including Sharktooth Hill and Coalinga—alongside verified locations, showcases the state’s prehistoric treasures. Sharktooth Hill, a standout among Jurassic fossil parks in California, yields Megalodon teeth at Ernst Quarries, ideal for self-guided fossil digs in California. The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, renowned for saber-toothed cat fossils, answers where to find fossils in California with its observation tours. Common fossils in California include shark teeth, mammoth bones, and petrified redwoods, with notable discoveries like the Fossil Discovery Center’s 1993 mammoth tusk fueling paleontology field adventures in California. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers guided tours of Pleistocene mammoth remains, while Rainbow Basin’s BLM lands allow limited collecting for rockhounding destinations in California. The Petrified Forest in Sonoma displays Pliocene redwood stumps, perfect for prehistoric site tours in California. Santa Cruz Museum’s mock dig boxes engage kids with Miocene sand dollars, and Red Rock Canyon’s guided digs uncover horse fossils, enhancing dinosaur dig vacations in California. Despite strict laws (Public Resources Code section 5097.5) limiting collecting on public lands, private quarries and educational programs make fossil hunting in California accessible. Facilities in Bakersfield, Madera, and Los Angeles ensure comfort, with visitor centers and lodging nearby. Spanning Miocene to Pleistocene periods, California’s geology promises diverse finds, from marine shells to dinosaur-era plants. Always verify regulations to avoid fines, ensuring responsible exploration. Whether sifting for shark teeth or marveling at mammoth bones, California’s fossil sites offer unforgettable adventures for amateurs and families alike. (Word count: 500)[]
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in California?
No, digging for fossils in California’s national parks, like Pinnacles or Point Reyes, is prohibited under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Observation is allowed, but collecting requires research permits from the NPS.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in California?
For pay-to-dig sites, bring a trowel, sifter, brush, and magnifying glass. Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and sun protection for California’s rugged terrain. Many sites, like Ernst Quarries, provide tools.
Are fossils found in California legally mine to keep?
On private pay-to-dig sites, you can keep fossils per site rules. On BLM lands, invertebrate and plant fossils can be collected for personal use, but vertebrate fossils require reporting. Selling fossils is illegal without permits.
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in California?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal for most sites due to mild weather. Desert sites like Anza-Borrego are best in winter, while coastal sites are year-round.
Are there guided fossil tours in California?
Yes, sites like Anza-Borrego, Red Rock Canyon, and La Brea Tar Pits offer guided tours. Private quarries like Sharktooth Hill provide self-guided options with staff support for beginners.
Can kids participate in fossil hunting in California?
Yes, kid-friendly sites like Fossil Discovery Center and Santa Cruz Museum offer mock digs and educational programs. Always supervise children and follow site safety rules.
How do I identify fossils in California?
Look for shells, teeth, or bone-like structures in sedimentary rocks. Use a field guide or consult the California Geological Survey. Note the location and rock type for context.
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