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Fossil Butte National Monument
Outdoor Activities
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A fossil hunter's home along the Historic Quarry Trail |
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Hiking Trails Two trails with wayside exhibits provide opportunities to experience the geology, fossils, wildlife, plants, and wide-open spaces of Fossil Butte National Monument. Both dirt trails gain elevation and have some steep up and down sections. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry plenty of water, and protect yourself from the sun and insects. Vault toilets at each trailhead are wheelchair accessible.
![shaded picnic area shaded picnic area](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/fobu/planyourvisit/images/picnic-area.jpg) |
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Chicken Creek Picnic Area Aspen trees shade the picnic area 2.5 miles north of the visitor center. Tables, charcoal grills, and water are available. The walkway from the parking area, one picnic table, and vault toilet are wheelchair accessible. The parking area is suitable for trailers and RV's.
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![Fossil Butte from scenic drive Fossil Butte from scenic drive](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/fobu/planyourvisit/images/view-from-hairpin-turn.jpg) |
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Scenic Drive A 7.5-mile scenic drive (3.5 miles paved, 4 gravel) provides another view of Fossil Butte and the surrounding area. Wayside exhibits along the paved section interpret the present-day wildlife and the subtropical environment of 50 million years ago. Visitors driving LARGE RV'S OR PULLING TRAILERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TURN AROUND AT THE PICNIC AREA. The gravel road beyond the picnic area parking lot is narrow and steep. Allow 30 minutes to an hour to complete the drive.
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![mule deer mule deer](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/fobu/planyourvisit/images/mule-deer.jpg) |
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Wildlife Viewing "Is sagebrush the only thing that grows here?" "Where are the animals?" visitors ask. From a distance, this place may appear desolate. A closer look reveals springs and seeps that support aspen groves, willow thickets, beaver ponds, limber pine forests, and other plant communities. These different habitats are home to a variety of animals and plants.
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![evening primrose evening primrose](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/fobu/planyourvisit/images/evening-primrose.jpg) |
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Wildflowers in Sagebrush Country Wildflowers of many colors abound in the various plant communities of the monument. In late May and early June, the low growing cushion plants explode into bloom. In June and July, watch for larkspur, sego lily, camas, paintbrush, blue flax, lupine, phlox, geranium, wild rose, and shooting star just to name a few.
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![Fossil Butte sunset Fossil Butte sunset](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/fobu/planyourvisit/images/sunset.jpg) |
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Night Sky Viewing Lots of open space and almost no light pollution make Fossil Butte National Monument a good place to view the night sky.
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![This fossil mosquito was found in the Fossil Lake deposits. Insect fossils are rare compared to fish and have not been researched. This fossil mosquito was found in the Fossil Lake deposits. Insect fossils are rare compared to fish and have not been researched.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/FOBU_FOBU808_mosquito-web2.jpg) Your Safety The sun, lightning, elevation, and insects can affect the enjoyment of your visit. more... | | ![riding the two tracks riding the two tracks](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/FOBU_biking-the-two-tracks.jpg) Bicycling Information Paved and dirt roads provide bicyclists access to scenic areas in the monument. more... | | ![Revealing a fossil Revealing a fossil](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/FOBU_looking-at-rock1.jpg) Ranger Programs Have you ever peeled a rock apart to discover a fossil inside? Plan a summer weekend visit. more... | | ![Priscacara liops Priscacara liops](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/FOBU_FOBU428_priskies-web.jpg) Visitor Center Activities Over 80 fossils are displayed at the visitor center including a 13-foot crocodile. more... | |
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![pronghorn antelope pronghorn antelope](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081021153150im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/FOBU_pronghorn.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
There are more pronghorn antelope in the state of Wyoming than people. One hundred or so spend the spring, summer, and fall in Fossil Butte National Monument.
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Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:23 EST |