Fossil Butte National Monument

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

Official facts

Public access: Open access.

Protected area: 8,318 acres (3,366 ha).

Designation: National Monument. Listed as "Fossil Butte National Monument" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: managed for biodiversity (GAP 2). IUCN category V.

Established: 1972.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1

At the park

• Exhibits exhibit
• Visitor center exhibit
• Scenic drives & overlooks scenic feature
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail

Before you go

Mobility

Available in the park: mobility & stroller rentals. Confirm rental availability and pricing with the park.

Limits

Dogs are allowed on the Historic Quarry Trail and Nature Trail

Park alert: Temporary Phone Number for Visitor Center

Our main phone number for the visitor center is temporarily disconnected. Please call 307-877-4456 to reach a ranger.

Getting there

By car: Travel 9 miles west of Kemmerer, Wyoming on U.S. Highway 30. There is a highway sign near mile post 44; turn right onto Lincoln County Road 300. The Historic Quarry Trail is approximately 1/2 mile on the right. Continue west on County Road 300 for approximately 1.5 miles to Chicken Creek Road which provides access to the visitor center, scenic drive, Nature Trail and picnic area. Closest airports: Rock Springs, Wyoming (130 miles); Salt Lake City, Utah (150 miles).

Weather & when to go

Expect a variety of weather conditions no matter what time of year you visit. Spring, fall and winter can be very cold with snow and icy conditions. In spring, daytime temperatures usually range from 30 F to 65 F. Summer daytime temperatures range from 60 F to 90 F. Fall daytime temperatures range from 45 F to 70 F. Winter daytime temperatures range from -20 F to 30 F.

Visitor center

Fossil Birds Exhibit

Visitor center

Fossil Butte Visitor Center

Visitor center

Fossil Butte Visitor Center

Visitor center

Fossil Butte Visitor Center — SUMMER HOURS: Friday of Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day: daily 8:00 am - 5:30 pm FALL HOURS: Tuesday after Labor Day - Oct. 31: daily 8:00 am - 4:30 pm WINTER HOURS: Nov. 1 - April 30: daily 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Closed Sundays) SPRING HOURS: May 1 - Thursday before Memorial Day: daily 8:00 am - 4:30… — By Car: Travel 9 miles west of Kemmerer on U.S. Highway 30 following the highway signs. Near mile post 44 there is a sign for Fossil Butte National Monument; turn right on Lincoln County Road 300. Continue for approximately 3 miles before turning right on Chicken Creek Road. Continue for one mile. Parking is available for private vehicles, buses and RV/trailers.

Visitor center

Fossil Fishes Exhibit

Visitor center

Fossil Fishes Exhibit

Visitor center

Fossil Plants Exhibit

Facilities on the park map

1 bench, 1 changing table, 2 first aid kit, 3 mobility rental, 10 restroom, 7 visitor information, 1 water fountain.

History

Opened

1972

• Park opened