Fossil Butte National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Wyoming
📘 Park Overview
In the ridges of southwest Wyoming are some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. They tell the story of ancient life in a warm, wet environment in and around a freshwater lake. Stingrays swam in the lake. Turtles basked in the sun. Leaves rustled in the breeze while early horses darted between the trunks. We reveal more of the past with each fossil found.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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).
Images
Knightia eocaena, the most abundant vertebrate fossil in the world, lies exposed near cliff face.
Credit: NPS Photo
Fossils from the Green River Formation are known for their excellent preservation, abundance, and diversity. Cockerellites liops is one of the common fishes found here.
Credit: NPS Photo
Fossil palm fronds and other plants indicate a climate similar to the Gulf Coast states.
Credit: NPS Photo
Early Summer Beauty in the High Desert of Southwestern Wyoming
Credit: NPS Photo/Devin Cherry
The visitor center is nestled in a sagebrush landscape beneath Fossil Butte. Over 300 fossils are on exhibit.
Credit: NPS Photo
Fossil Butte is the most noticeable landmark of the park and where the monument got its name.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, May 19
Patchy rain nearby
High: 48.1°F | Low: 24.8°F
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 8.3 mph
Rain Chance: 76%
UV Index: 9.8
Sunrise: 05:58 AM
Sunset: 08:39 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 29.4°F
Cloud Cover: 76%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, May 20
Sunny
High: 55.7°F | Low: 34.5°F
Humidity: 42%
Wind: 19.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 7.4
Sunrise: 05:58 AM
Sunset: 08:40 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (15%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 34.4°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, May 21
Moderate rain
High: 49.9°F | Low: 38.5°F
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 19 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 05:57 AM
Sunset: 08:41 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (24%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 36.8°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
864 Chicken Creek Road
Kemmerer, WY 83101
🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 592
Kemmerer, WY 83101
📞 Voice Phone: 3078774455
✉️ Email: fobu_information@nps.gov