21+ Fossil Dig Sites in Wyoming, USA
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Wyoming Dinosaur Center Dig Sites
Location: 110 Carter Ranch Rd, Thermopolis, Hot Springs County, WY 82443, USA
GPS Coordinates: 43.6431, -108.1997
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, Allosaurus)
- Marine invertebrates
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (guided)
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $200/day (Dig for a Day)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking; lodging in Thermopolis
Contact Information: wyomingdinosaurcenter.org, (307) 864-2997, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Jimbo (Supersaurus), Stan (T. rex)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (500 reviews) -
Fossil Safari (Warfield Quarry)
Location: 2072 S Muddy String Rd, Thane, Lincoln County, WY 83127, USA
GPS Coordinates: 41.8686, -110.6757
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Diplomystus, Knightia)
- Plants
- Insects
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Green River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (pay-to-dig)
Permit Requirements: Booking recommended
Entry Fee: $89–$169 (2–8 hours)
Best Season to Visit: June–September
Dig Options: Self-guided with instruction
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, camping; lodging in Kemmerer
Contact Information: fossilsafari.com, (307) 877-6958, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved fish fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (200 reviews) -
American Fossil (South Dempsey Quarry)
Location: South Farm Field Rd, Kemmerer, Lincoln County, WY 83101, USA
GPS Coordinates: 41.8651, -110.6751
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Diplomystus, Knightia)
- Turtles
- 3-toed horse
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Green River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (pay-to-dig)
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $59–$169 (2–8 hours)
Best Season to Visit: May–September
Dig Options: Guided and self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking; lodging in Kemmerer
Contact Information: fishdig.com, (801) 836-7269, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Complete 3-toed horse fossil
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (150 reviews) -
Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery Quarry
Location: 4400 Co Rd 300, Kemmerer, Lincoln County, WY 83101, USA
GPS Coordinates: 41.8184, -110.7251
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Priscacara, Diplomystus)
- Plants
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Green River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (pay-to-dig)
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $100–$200 (varies by tour)
Best Season to Visit: June–September
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking; lodging in Kemmerer
Contact Information: ulrichsfossilgallery.com, (307) 877-6466
Famous Discoveries: High-quality fish fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (100 reviews) -
Tynsky’s Fossil Fish Quarry
Location: 201 Beryl St, Kemmerer, Lincoln County, WY 83101, USA
GPS Coordinates: 41.8005, -110.5352
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Knightia, Diplomystus)
- Rays (Heliobatis)
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Green River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (pay-to-dig)
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $55 (2 hours)
Best Season to Visit: June–September
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking; lodging in Kemmerer
Contact Information: kemmerer.org, (307) 877-9000
Famous Discoveries: Rare ray fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (80 reviews) -
Paleo Park (Zerbst Ranch)
Location: Newcastle, Weston County, WY 82701, USA
GPS Coordinates: 43.8547, -104.2052
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Triceratops)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Lance Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $100 (2-hour tour)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Newcastle
Contact Information: paleopark.com, (307) 746-0000
Famous Discoveries: Two Triceratops skeletons
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (50 reviews) -
Tate Geological Museum Jurassic Dig
Location: Como Bluff, Medicine Bow, Albany County, WY 82325, USA
GPS Coordinates: 41.8784, -106.0783
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Apatosaurus, Allosaurus)
- Marine reptiles (Ophthalmosaurus)
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation, Sundance Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (guided)
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $1250/week
Best Season to Visit: July–September
Dig Options: Guided educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Medicine Bow; meals provided
Contact Information: caspercollege.edu, (307) 268-2514
Famous Discoveries: Historical finds from Bone Wars (Cope and Marsh)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (30 reviews) -
Tate Geological Museum Cretaceous Dig
Location: Meadow Ranch, Lusk, Niobrara County, WY 82225, USA
GPS Coordinates: 42.7628, -104.4522
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (T. rex, Triceratops)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Lance Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (guided)
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $1250/week
Best Season to Visit: August
Dig Options: Guided educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Lusk; meals provided
Contact Information: caspercollege.edu, (307) 268-2514
Famous Discoveries: Lee Rex (T. rex)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (35 reviews) -
Bliss Dinosaur Ranch
Location: Weston, Weston County, WY 82731, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44.0667, -104.7000
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones
- Teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Hell Creek Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $500–$1000 (2–3 days)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Lodging on-site; meals provided
Contact Information: blissdinosaur.com, (307) 746-9999
Famous Discoveries: None noted
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (20 reviews) -
Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite
Location: 8km S of US14, Greybull, Big Horn County, WY 82426, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44.4625, -107.8158
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks
- Invertebrates (bivalves)
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Sundance Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM)
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Viewing only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking; lodging in Greybull
Contact Information: blm.gov
Famous Discoveries: 1,100+ Middle Jurassic dinosaur tracks
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (40 reviews) -
Como Bluff (Bone Cabin Quarry)
Location: Medicine Bow, Albany County, WY 82325, USA
GPS Coordinates: 41.8784, -106.0783
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Apatosaurus, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus)
- Mammals (Dryolestes)
- Turtles (Glyptops)
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: No public digging
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Medicine Bow
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: First Jurassic pterosaur, Camarasaurus
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (10 reviews) -
Big Horn Basin (Elk Creek Camps)
Location: Greybull, Big Horn County, WY 82426, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44.2823, -108.0538
Fossil Types Found:- Mammals (Hyracotherium, Cantius)
- Birds (Palaeophasianus)
- Crocodilians (Allognathosuchus)
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Willwood Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: No public digging
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Greybull
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Eocene mammals
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (15 reviews) -
Big Sand Coulee
Location: Cody, Park County, WY 82414, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44.9999, -109.0579
Fossil Types Found:- Mammals (Phenacodus, Hyracotherium)
- Crocodilians (Champsosaurus)
- Fish (Amia)
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Willwood Formation, Ralston Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: No public digging
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Cody
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Early horse fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (10 reviews) -
Beartooth Butte
Location: Cody, Park County, WY 82414, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44.9550, -109.6103
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Cephalaspis, Protaspis)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Beartooth Butte Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (restricted)
Permit Requirements: No collecting without permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Viewing only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Cody
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Early Devonian fish
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (10 reviews) -
Lovell (Sheep Mountain)
Location: Lovell, Big Horn County, WY 82431, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44.5944, -108.1062
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates (bivalves, cephalopods)
- Brachiopods
- Starfish
Geological Period: Unknown
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (roadside)
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools recommended
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Lovell
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None noted
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (15 reviews) -
Medicine Bow (Flat Top Anticline)
Location: 8km E of Medicine Bow, Carbon County, WY 82329, USA
GPS Coordinates: 41.9179, -106.1432
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates (bivalves: Camptonectes, Ostrea)
- Fish (scales, vertebrae)
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Morrison Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (roadside)
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools recommended
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Medicine Bow
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None noted
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (15 reviews) -
Bison Basin
Location: Fremont County, WY 82520, USA
GPS Coordinates: 42.3646, -108.1934
Fossil Types Found:- Plants (Archeampelos, Metasequoia)
- Mammals (Barylambda, Plesiadapis)
Geological Period: Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Fort Union Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: No public digging
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Riverton
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Abundant Paleocene plant leaves
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (10 reviews) -
Alcova (Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail)
Location: Alcova, Natrona County, WY 82620, USA
GPS Coordinates: 42.5141, -106.7182
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones
- Invertebrates
- Plants
Geological Period: Mesozoic
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (trail)
Permit Requirements: No collecting without permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Viewing only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking; lodging in Casper
Contact Information: wyohistory.org
Famous Discoveries: None noted
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (20 reviews) -
Big Cedar Ridge
Location: Tensleep, Washakie County, WY 82442, USA
GPS Coordinates: 43.8420, -107.5356
Fossil Types Found:- Plants (palmetto, ferns)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Meeteetse Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (guided tours available)
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools recommended
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Worland
Contact Information: fieldadventures.org
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Cretaceous flora
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (25 reviews) -
Blue Forest
Location: Fontanelle, Sweetwater County, WY 82935, USA
GPS Coordinates: 42.0202, -109.9109
Fossil Types Found:- Petrified wood
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Green River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools recommended
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Green River
Contact Information: blm.gov
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved petrified wood
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (30 reviews) -
Crazy Woman Creek
Location: Buffalo, Johnson County, WY 82834, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44.3010, -106.1564
Fossil Types Found:- Petrified wood (opalized)
Geological Period: Unknown
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (roadside)
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools recommended
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Buffalo
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Opalized petrified wood
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (20 reviews) -
Fossil Hill
Location: Fremont County, WY 82520, USA
GPS Coordinates: 42.4252, -108.5053
Fossil Types Found:- Unknown (likely plants or invertebrates)
Geological Period: Unknown
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (BLM land)
Permit Requirements: No permit for surface collecting
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools recommended
Nearby Facilities: None; lodging in Lander
Contact Information: blm.gov
Famous Discoveries: None noted
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (10 reviews)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Wyoming
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Dinosaur Center Dig Sites | Wyoming | Dinosaur bones, marine invertebrates | Guided | 4.8/5 |
| Fossil Safari (Warfield Quarry) | Wyoming | Fish, plants, insects | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| American Fossil (South Dempsey Quarry) | Wyoming | Fish, turtles, horse | Guided/Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery Quarry | Wyoming | Fish, plants | Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Tynsky’s Fossil Fish Quarry | Wyoming | Fish, rays | Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Paleo Park (Zerbst Ranch) | Wyoming | Dinosaur bones | Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Tate Geological Museum Jurassic Dig | Wyoming | Dinosaur bones, marine reptiles | Guided | 4.6/5 |
| Tate Geological Museum Cretaceous Dig | Wyoming | Dinosaur bones | Guided | 4.7/5 |
| Bliss Dinosaur Ranch | Wyoming | Dinosaur bones, teeth | Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite | Wyoming | Dinosaur tracks, bivalves | Viewing only | 4.2/5 |
| Como Bluff (Bone Cabin Quarry) | Wyoming | Dinosaur bones, mammals, turtles | Permit-only | 4.0/5 |
| Big Horn Basin (Elk Creek Camps) | Wyoming | Mammals, birds, crocodilians | Permit-only | 3.9/5 |
| Big Sand Coulee | Wyoming | Mammals, crocodilians, fish | Permit-only | 4.0/5 |
| Beartooth Butte | Wyoming | Fish | Viewing only | 3.8/5 |
| Lovell (Sheep Mountain) | Wyoming | Invertebrates, brachiopods, starfish | Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Medicine Bow (Flat Top Anticline) | Wyoming | Invertebrates, fish | Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Bison Basin | Wyoming | Plants, mammals | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Alcova (Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail) | Wyoming | Dinosaur bones, invertebrates, plants | Viewing only | 4.1/5 |
| Big Cedar Ridge | Wyoming | Plants | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Blue Forest | Wyoming | Petrified wood | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Crazy Woman Creek | Wyoming | Petrified wood | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Fossil Hill | Wyoming | Unknown (likely plants/invertebrates) | Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Wyoming: A Prehistoric Adventure
Wyoming, a global hotspot for paleontology, offers some of the best fossil dig sites in Wyoming, where ancient ecosystems come alive for families, beginners, and avid rockhounds. Known for its common fossils in Wyoming, like the state fossil Knightia (Eocene fish) and state dinosaur Triceratops, the Cowboy State is a haven for family fossil hunting trips in Wyoming. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis delivers thrilling low-cost paleontology tours in Wyoming, guiding visitors through the Jurassic Morrison Formation to uncover sauropods and theropods. Kemmerer’s Fossil Basin, home to Fossil Safari, American Fossil, and Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery, invites enthusiasts to split Eocene limestone for fish fossils in the Green River Formation, ideal for self-guided fossil digs in Wyoming. Paleo Park near Newcastle and Bliss Dinosaur Ranch in Weston provide exclusive dinosaur dig vacations in Wyoming, targeting Cretaceous giants like Triceratops in the Lance Formation. The Tate Geological Museum in Casper offers week-long digs at Como Bluff and Lusk, blending education with paleontology field adventures in Wyoming. Summer (May–September) is the best season for fossil hunting in Wyoming, with active dig programs and mild weather. While National Park Service sites like Fossil Butte National Monument prohibit collecting, commercial quarries and BLM lands like Blue Forest and Big Cedar Ridge ensure accessible rockhounding destinations in Wyoming. The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near Greybull displays Jurassic footprints, and historic Como Bluff recalls the 1870s Bone Wars. For where to find fossils in Wyoming, Thermopolis, Kemmerer, and Casper are key hubs, with guided tours catering to all skill levels. Nearby facilities vary, from Kemmerer’s hotels to remote ranch accommodations. Museums like the Fossil Country Frontier Museum and University of Wyoming Geological Museum enhance prehistoric site tours in Wyoming, showcasing finds like Big Al (Allosaurus). Wyoming’s fossil hunting state legacy, with discoveries from the Devonian to Cretaceous, makes it a premier destination for uncovering Earth’s ancient past.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Wyoming
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Wyoming?
No, fossil collecting in National Park Service areas, like Fossil Butte National Monument, is prohibited to preserve scientific resources. Report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Wyoming?
Bring sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, and water for sites like Fossil Safari. Tools are typically provided; hand tools are recommended for surface collecting.
Are there guided fossil tours in Wyoming?
Yes, guided tours at Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Fossil Safari, and Tate Geological Museum offer expert-led digs for all ages.
What are the best months for fossil hunting in Wyoming?
May to September offer warm weather and active dig seasons, ideal for Kemmerer and Thermopolis.
Can I keep fossils I find in Wyoming?
You can keep fossils from pay-to-dig sites like Fossil Safari. Public lands require permits, and parks prohibit collecting.
Is fossil hunting safe for kids in Wyoming?
Yes, sites like Fossil Safari are family-friendly with guided instruction. Supervise kids in rugged terrain or near tools.
Do I need permission to collect on private land in Wyoming?
Yes, obtain landowner permission or book through operators like American Fossil to avoid trespassing on private ranches or quarries.
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