Fossil Butte
National Monument

Visitors discover that this resource displays the interrelationships of plants, insects, fishes, reptiles and mammals, like few other known fossil sites. The relevance and challenge of study and preservation of this ancient ecosystem are equal to those of a modern ecosystem.

The surface topography of Fossil Butte is now covered by a high cold desert. Sagebrush is the dominant vegetation at the lower elevations, while limber pine and aspen occur on the slopes. Pronghorn, Mule deer and a variety of birds are commonly seen. Moose, elk and beaver are sometimes observed.

ACREAGE:

Federal: 8,198

ADDRESS:

Superintendent
Fossil Butte National Monument
P.O. Box 592
Kemmerer, Wy 83101

TELEPHONE:

(307) 877 4455
fax: (307) 877 4457

VISITATION:

The annual visitation of 25,000 is concentrated in June, July and August. Most school group visitation takes place in May and October.

LOCATION:

Southwestern Wyoming, 15 miles west of Kemmerer on Highway 30.

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

June-August, Visitor Center Hours 8:00a-7:00p; Winter Visitor Center Hours 8-4:30 (September through May). Closed winter Holidays.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summer: warm days and moderate evenings, light jacket needed some evenings, sturdy shoes needed for hiking, protection from sun recommended. Spring, Fall and Winter can be very cold, expect snow and winter conditions.

DIRECTIONS:

Area Map. Kemmerer Wyoming is located 50 miles north of Interstate 80 on highway 189 in southwestern Wyoming. From Kemmerer travel 12 miles west on highway 30 and follow the signs an additional 5 miles to the park visitor center.

TRANSPORTATION:

No commercial transportation is available. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle, while some visit on bicycles.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

No entrance fee, donation box available at Visitor Center.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center, Exhibits:

Over 75 fossils are on display including a 13-foot crocodile, the oldest known bat and a mass mortality of 356 fish. Video programs, fossil preparation demonstrations and a book store are available at the Visitor Center.

The Visitor Center is handicapped accessible. No trails are provided for the blind or those using wheelchairs. Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Trails, Roads:

Two short hiking trails explore the area.

The 2.5 mile Historic Quarry Trail has wayside exhibits and a trail brochure. Information provided includes geology, wildlife and plants of the high desert. A short side loop leads to the site of an historic quarry. Moderately difficult with a 1000 ft. elevation gain.

The Fossil Lake Trail, 1.5 miles, This trail winds around and through a grove of aspen trees. A trail brochure interprets the wildlife, plants and geology of this high desert oasis. The lower portion of the Fossil Lake Trail is closed indefinitely due to environmental conditions.

Picnic Area shaded by Aspen; tables and charcoal grills are available.

Pets are allowed on the trails, but must be restrained.

Programs, Activities:

Guided hikes on summer weekends, daily paleontology/geology programs, three Jr. Ranger programs available for kids 6-12.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:

None in park, motels and RV camping available in Kemmerer. Other camping available within 50 miles.

Food Supplies:

Available in Kemmerer or other nearby communities.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

None.

Accessibility:

Visitor Center and picnic area are wheel chair accessible.

Special Needs:

Bus parking is available at Visitor Center and picnic area.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USE:

Plan 45 minutes to an hour at the visitor center to view the exhibits and watch the videos. Allow 1 hour to hike the Fossil Lake Trail or 2-3 hours for the Historic Quarry trail.

RESERVATIONS, PERMITS:

N/A

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

N/A

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

N/A

VISITOR IMPACTS:

N/A

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Two local museums...Kemmerer City Museum and Fossil Country Frontier Museum are available in Kemmerer as is the original J.C. Penney "mother store" and its founder's home. The Kemmerer Chamber of Commerce (307) 877 9761 can provide additional information.

Last Update: 5/28/99