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Fossil Butte National MonumentSouthwest Wyoming 50 million years ago
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Fossil Butte National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
 
Fossil Butte visitor center
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Fossil Butte National Monument visitor center
 

The visitor center is open 7 days a week 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.  September through May, the visitor center is open 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week, but closed winter holidays.

Monument grounds are open sunrise to sunset.  The entrance road gate is closed only during severe winter storms.  The upper road accessing the picnic area, Fossil Lake Trail, and scenic drive closes November 1st until the snow melts, usually by late May.
Priscacara liops
Visitor Center Activities
Over 80 fossils are displayed at the visitor center including a 13-foot crocodile.
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exploring the backcountry
Outdoor Activities
If you have an appetite to explore, venture into the monument's high desert landscape.
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Two to three bird fossils are discovered each year in the Fossil Lake deposits. This bird is one of several unidentified species.
Getting Around
Park map and other information to help you discover one of America's best kept secrets
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Snow begins to accumulate in November. 10-12 foot snow drifts cover the upper road from December through April.
Road Closures
Visiting September through May? Winter conditions limit driving opportunites.
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Chisternon undatum, Western Paleo Labs photo  

Did You Know?
The Green River Formation includes the best paleontological record of Tertiary aquatic communities in North America and possibly the world.

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Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:23 EST