Exploring Fossil Butte: Hitting the trails on National Fossil Day

Michelle Tibbetts, Gazette Reporter
Posted 10/18/18

But there is much to explore at Fossil Butte beyond the visitors center. The national monument offers two short, maintained hiking trails that provide explorers with an outdoor adventure the whole family can enjoy.

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Exploring Fossil Butte: Hitting the trails on National Fossil Day

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The two maintained hiking trails at Fossil Butte National Monument take visitors through aspen groves and stunning views of the landscape surrounding the butte.

Saturday, Oct. 13, was National Fossil Day, and the crew at Fossil Butte National Monument celebrated with many visitors as they shared their fossil knowledge and discoveries in the visitors center outside of Kemmerer. Visitors learned how to clean and prepare a fossil once it is removed from a quarry.

But there is much to explore at Fossil Butte beyond the visitors center. The national monument offers two short, maintained hiking trails that provide explorers with an outdoor adventure the whole family can enjoy.

The Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile loop with a 300-foot gain in elevation, and the Historic Quarry Trail is a 2.5-mile loop with a 600-foot gain in elevation. Both trails are free to use and are well marked.

Fall is a perfect time to explore the hiking trails at Fossil Butte National Monument.

Fossil Butte's Nature Trail is located at the picnic area along the scenic drive. The trail is open all year, but the access road is usually closed from November to April. The trail meanders through sagebrush and rolling hills while offering sweeping views of the butte and valley below.

Those on the trail can spot signs of wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you may see a moose, elk or mule deer. The trail takes you past beaver ponds and beside a forest of aspen trees. Did you know that aspen trees have a natural sunblock? Native Americans would rub their hands along the aspen bark to release the white powder-like substance that acts as a natural sunscreen.

There are also several benches along the trail that offer a place to rest or just slow down and take in the beauty of the area.

When walking the Fossil Butte trails, be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. The high altitude and exposed butte can hide oncoming weather and you may be surprised with a Wyoming snow shower when you least expect it. In the fall and spring, muddy conditions are common on the trails.

For even more adventure, the Historic Quarry trail is a bit more rigorous. Be sure to bring water and sun protection as there is no shade on this trail — making it a perfect hike in the cooler weather of fall. Both trails feature exhibits and signs on the sides of the trails to educate visitors about the geology, wildlife and history of the area.

Kemmerer is the fossil capital of the world, and Fossil Butte offers fun activities inside the visitors center and outside to celebrate that rich geologic history. So be sure to get outside while fall lingers a little longer, and explore this beautiful land we have right in our backyard.

Benches on the trails at Fossil Butte allow visitors to take in the scenery. 

Aspen trees, found on the Fossil Butte nature trails, contain a natural sunblock in their bark. 

Take a peek back in time on the Historic Quarry trail. 

A true Wyoming storm starts to roll in at Fossil Butte. 

When hiking the Fossil Butte trails, be prepared for sudden changes in weather.