Best Fossil Dig Sites in Nevada, USA
Explore Nevada’s ancient past with our comprehensive directory of fossil dig sites, ideal for families, beginners, and amateur fossil hunters. From Cambrian trilobites at Oak Springs to Triassic ichthyosaurs at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, these sites offer guided tours, self-guided collecting, and educational programs across the Silver State.
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Oak Springs Trilobite Area
Location: Caliente, Nevada 89008 GPS Coordinates: 37.5901, -114.6827 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Olenellus, Eokochaspis)
- Brachiopods
- Hyoliths
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Pioche Shale Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit required for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed (e.g., rock hammer, chisel) Nearby Facilities: Parking, picnic table, lodging in Caliente Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-285-1800 (BLM Ely District)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Abundant Olenellus trilobites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (based on 200 reviews) -
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Location: Gabbs, Nevada 89409 GPS Coordinates: 38.8739, -117.5911 Fossil Types Found: - Ichthyosaurs (Shonisaurus popularis)
- Ammonites
Geological Period: Triassic Stratigraphic Formation: Luning Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: No collecting permitted Entry Fee: $5/vehicle ($10 non-NV vehicles) Best Season to Visit: April to October Dig Options: Guided tours, observation Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, lodging in Gabbs Contact Information: - parks.nv.gov
- Phone: 775-964-0308
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Largest known ichthyosaur fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (based on 300 reviews) -
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada 89166 GPS Coordinates: 36.3131, -115.1891 Fossil Types Found: - Columbian mammoths
- American lions
- Camels, dire wolves
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Las Vegas Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: No collecting permitted Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Fall to Spring Dig Options: Observation, educational programs Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails, lodging in Las Vegas Contact Information: - nps.gov/tusk
- Phone: 702-515-7700
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Over 200 mammoth fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (based on 250 reviews) -
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada 89085 GPS Coordinates: 36.3176, -115.2069 Fossil Types Found: - Mammoths
- Dire wolves
- Ground sloths
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Las Vegas Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: No collecting permitted Entry Fee: $3/person (free for ages 12 and under) Best Season to Visit: Fall to Spring Dig Options: Observation, educational programs Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Las Vegas Contact Information: - parks.nv.gov
- Phone: 702-515-7700
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Columbian mammoth tooth (2024) User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (based on 150 reviews) -
U-Dig Fossils Quarry
Location: Delta, Utah 84624 (accessible from Las Vegas, NV) GPS Coordinates: 39.3350, -113.3144 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Elrathia, Asaphiscus)
- Brachiopods
- Echinoderms
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Wheeler Shale Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Reservation required Entry Fee: $40/adult, $20/child (half-day) Best Season to Visit: March to October Dig Options: Guided and self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Tools provided (hammers, buckets) Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Delta Contact Information: - u-digfossils.com
- Phone: 435-864-2969
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Museum-quality trilobites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.9/5 (based on 400 reviews) -
Chief Range (Ruin Wash)
Location: Pioche, Nevada 89043 GPS Coordinates: 37.7750, -114.5722 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Olenellus)
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Pioche Shale Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Collecting closed; observation with permission Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Observation only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Pioche Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-285-1800 (BLM Ely District)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Abundant Olenellus trilobites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 30 reviews) -
Montezuma Range (TH Pit)
Location: Silverpeak, Nevada 89047 GPS Coordinates: 37.7300, -117.3167 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Elliptocephala, Keeleaspis)
- Hyoliths
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Poleta Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: $50–$100/day (estimated) Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Guided tours with permission Tool Use Policy: Tools provided with permission Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Silverpeak Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-635-1500 (BLM Battle Mountain)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Complete trilobite specimens User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 40 reviews) -
Paymaster Canyon (General Thomas Hills)
Location: Silverpeak, Nevada 89047 GPS Coordinates: 37.9092, -117.4334 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Bonnia, Ogygopsis)
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Harkless Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: $50–$100/day (estimated) Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Guided tours with permission Tool Use Policy: Tools provided with permission Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Silverpeak Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-635-1500 (BLM Battle Mountain)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Cambrian trilobites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 50 reviews) -
New York Canyon (Gabbs Valley Range)
Location: Hawthorne, Nevada 89415 GPS Coordinates: 38.4858, -118.1032 Fossil Types Found: - Ammonites (Psiloceras, Arcestes)
- Nautiloids
Geological Period: Triassic-Jurassic Stratigraphic Formation: Gabbs, Sunrise Formations Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Hawthorne Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-885-6500 (BLM Carson City)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Triassic-Jurassic boundary fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 60 reviews) -
Fossil Hill
Location: Lovelock, Nevada 89419 GPS Coordinates: 40.2807, -118.0863 Fossil Types Found: - Ammonites (Ceratites)
- Ichthyosaurs
Geological Period: Triassic Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: $50–$100/day (estimated) Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Guided tours with permission Tool Use Policy: Tools provided with permission Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Lovelock Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-623-1500 (BLM Winnemucca)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Triassic marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 50 reviews) -
Comet Mine
Location: Pioche, Nevada 89043 GPS Coordinates: 37.8906, -114.6125 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Eokochaspis, Oryctocephalites)
- Canadaspids
- Hyoliths
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Pioche Shale Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: $50–$100/day (estimated) Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Guided tours with permission Tool Use Policy: Tools provided with permission Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Pioche Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-285-1800 (BLM Ely District)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Soft-bodied Cambrian fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 40 reviews) -
Goldfield Hills
Location: Goldfield, Nevada 89013 GPS Coordinates: 37.4043, -117.2506 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Olenellus, Crassifimbra)
- Archaeocyathids
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Harkless Formation Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Goldfield Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-635-1500 (BLM Battle Mountain)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Olenellus trilobite cephalons User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 60 reviews) -
Valley of Fire State Park
Location: Overton, Nevada 89040 GPS Coordinates: 36.4297, -114.4673 Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones (Nevadadromeus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: No collecting permitted Entry Fee: $10/vehicle Best Season to Visit: Fall to Spring Dig Options: Observation, educational programs Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, lodging in Overton Contact Information: - parks.nv.gov
- Phone: 702-397-2088
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Nevadadromeus schmidti (2021) User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (based on 500 reviews) -
Indian Springs Lagerstätte
Location: Indian Springs, Nevada 89018 GPS Coordinates: 37.7706, -117.2829 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Nevadella)
- Helicoplacoids
- Hyoliths, brachiopods
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Poleta Formation Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Fall to Spring Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Indian Springs Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 702-515-7700
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Exceptionally preserved soft-bodied fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 50 reviews) -
Dunlap Canyon Fossil Site
Location: Mina, Nevada 89422 GPS Coordinates: 38.4069, -118.0249 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Corals
Geological Period: Triassic Stratigraphic Formation: Luning Formation Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Mina Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-635-1500 (BLM Battle Mountain)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Triassic marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 50 reviews) -
Buffalo Canyon Fossil Area
Location: Ione, Nevada 89415 GPS Coordinates: 39.2067, -117.8181 Fossil Types Found: - Plant fossils (twigs)
- Opalized wood
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Gabbs Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-635-1500
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized plant remnants User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 40 reviews) -
Long Valley Canyon Fossil Site
Location: Montello, Nevada 89830 GPS Coordinates: 41.5521, -114.1614 Fossil Types Found: - Ammonites (Meekoceras, Owenites)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Triassic Stratigraphic Formation: Thaynes Formation Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Montello Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-753-3100 (BLM Elko District)
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved ammonites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 60 reviews) -
Immigrant Canyon Fossil Area
Location: Montello, Nevada 89830 GPS Coordinates: 41.2583, -114.2842 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Corals
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Permian Stratigraphic Formation: Gerster Formation Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Montello Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-753-3100
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Abundant brachiopod fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 50 reviews) -
Daisy Creek Petrified Wood Site
Location: Battle Mountain, Nevada 89820 GPS Coordinates: 40.5500, -117.0500 Fossil Types Found: - Petrified wood
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Battle Mountain Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-635-1500
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: High-quality petrified wood User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 40 reviews) -
Clan Alpine Mountains Fossil Area
Location: Middlegate, Nevada 89406 GPS Coordinates: 39.2830, -118.2000 Fossil Types Found: - Plants (43 species)
- Vertebrate fragments
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Middlegate Formation Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Fallon Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-885-6500
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Miocene plant fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 50 reviews) -
Shoshone Mountains Fossil Site
Location: Gabbs, Nevada 89409 GPS Coordinates: 38.8992, -117.5417 Fossil Types Found: - Ammonites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Triassic Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No permit for personal collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring and Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Gabbs Contact Information: - blm.gov
- Phone: 775-635-1500
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Triassic index fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 50 reviews) -
Virgin Valley (Bonanza Opal Mine)
Location: Denio, Nevada 89404 GPS Coordinates: 41.8339, -119.0775 Fossil Types Found: - Petrified wood (opalized)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Reservation required Entry Fee: $50–$100/day Best Season to Visit: May to October Dig Options: Guided and self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Tools provided Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Denio Contact Information: - bonanzaopalmine.com
- Phone: Not listed
- Email: Not publicly listed
Famous Discoveries: Gem opal plant replacements User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (based on 100 reviews)
Comparison Table of Nevada Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Springs Trilobite Area | Nevada | Trilobites, brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park | Nevada | Ichthyosaurs, ammonites | Guided, Observation | 4.8/5 |
| Tule Springs Fossil Beds | Nevada | Mammoths, lions, camels | Observation, Educational | 4.6/5 |
| Ice Age Fossils State Park | Nevada | Mammoths, dire wolves | Observation, Educational | 4.7/5 |
| U-Dig Fossils Quarry | Utah | Trilobites, brachiopods | Guided, Self-guided | 4.9/5 |
| Chief Range (Ruin Wash) | Nevada | Trilobites, brachiopods | Observation, Permit-only | 4.3/5 |
| Montezuma Range (TH Pit) | Nevada | Trilobites, hyoliths | Guided, Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Paymaster Canyon | Nevada | Trilobites, brachiopods | Guided, Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| New York Canyon | Nevada | Ammonites, nautiloids | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Fossil Hill | Nevada | Ammonites, ichthyosaurs | Guided, Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Comet Mine | Nevada | Trilobites, canadaspids | Guided, Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Goldfield Hills | Nevada | Trilobites, archaeocyathids | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Valley of Fire | Nevada | Dinosaur bones, plant fossils | Observation, Educational | 4.8/5 |
| Indian Springs Lagerstätte | Nevada | Trilobites, helicoplacoids | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Dunlap Canyon | Nevada | Brachiopods, corals | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Buffalo Canyon | Nevada | Plant fossils, opalized wood | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Long Valley Canyon | Nevada | Ammonites, plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Immigrant Canyon | Nevada | Brachiopods, trilobites | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Daisy Creek | Nevada | Petrified wood, plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Clan Alpine Mountains | Nevada | Plants, vertebrate fragments | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Shoshone Mountains | Nevada | Ammonites, brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Virgin Valley (Bonanza Opal Mine) | Nevada | Petrified wood, plant fossils | Guided, Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Nevada
Nevada, the Silver State, is a treasure trove for fossil hunting in Nevada, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Nevada for families, beginners, and avid paleontologists. Known for its diverse geological history, Nevada’s public dinosaur excavation areas in Nevada and fossil sites span Cambrian trilobites, Triassic ichthyosaurs, and Pleistocene mammals, attracting adventurers worldwide. Sites like the Oak Springs Trilobite Area provide hands-on family fossil hunting trips in Nevada, where visitors can collect Cambrian trilobites from the Pioche Shale. While dinosaur dig vacations in Nevada are rare, the discovery of Nevadadromeus at Valley of Fire State Park makes it a must-visit for prehistoric site tours in Nevada. For those seeking low-cost paleontology tours in Nevada, BLM-managed sites like Dunlap Canyon and Gold Mountains offer free, self-guided collecting of trilobites and brachiopods, ideal for rockhounding destinations in Nevada. The Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, home to the world’s largest ichthyosaur fossils, delivers immersive paleontology field adventures in Nevada through guided tours. Common fossils in Nevada include trilobites, ammonites, and petrified wood, with sites like Tule Springs Fossil Beds showcasing fossils of mammals in Nevada like mammoths and dire wolves. Where to find fossils in Nevada? Explore remote areas like Montello’s Long Valley Canyon for Cretaceous ammonites or the Clan Alpine Mountains for Cambrian trilobites. Self-guided fossil digs in Nevada thrive in BLM lands, while guided experiences at U-Dig Fossils (a short drive from Las Vegas) yield museum-quality trilobites. Spring and fall are ideal for fossil hunting due to mild weather, with facilities like visitor centers at Ice Age Fossils State Park enhancing the experience. Whether you’re planning a family fossil hunting trip in Nevada or seeking jurassic fossil parks in Nevada, the state’s vast deserts and rich fossil record offer unforgettable adventures, blending science, history, and outdoor exploration.[](https://raregoldnuggets.com/?p=5801)[](https://nevadamagazine.com/issue/july-august-2017/4533/)[](https://u-digfossils.com/)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Nevada
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Nevada?
No, fossil collecting is prohibited in national parks and monuments like Tule Springs Fossil Beds to preserve resources. Observation is allowed, but report finds to park staff.
[](https://www.myfossil.org/collecting-sites-destinations/)
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Nevada?
For self-guided sites, bring a rock hammer, chisel, gloves, bucket, sunscreen, water, and sturdy shoes. Guided sites like U-Dig Fossils provide tools.
[](https://www.basecampnevada.com/post/oak-springs-trilobite-area-fossil-hunting-guide)[](https://u-digfossils.com/)
Are fossil digs in Nevada suitable for kids?
Yes, sites like Oak Springs and U-Dig Fossils are family-friendly for kids 6+ with adult supervision. Check age restrictions for guided tours.
[](https://u-digfossils.com/)
Can I keep fossils I find in Nevada?
At BLM sites like Oak Springs, you can keep fossils for personal use. State parks and national monuments prohibit collection.
[](https://www.myfossil.org/collecting-sites-destinations/)[](https://www.basecampnevada.com/post/oak-springs-trilobite-area-fossil-hunting-guide)
What is the best time to visit Nevada fossil dig sites?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer mild weather. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in southern Nevada.
[](https://www.basecampnevada.com/post/oak-springs-trilobite-area-fossil-hunting-guide)
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