Fossil Butte National Monument

Fossil palm fronds and other plants indicate a climate similar to the Gulf Coast states.
Some of the world's best-preserved fossils are found in the flat-topped ridges of southwestern Wyoming's cold sagebrush desert. Fossilized fishes, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals are exceptional for their abundance, variety, and detail of preservation. Most remarkable is the story they tell of ancient life in the warm, wet environment in and around a freshwater lake.
Map showing location of park.
Fish fossils, Knightia eocaena, exposed near cliff
Photo by NPS Photo
a well preserved fossil fish, Cockerellites liops
Photo by NPS Photo
fossil palm frond
Photo by NPS Photo
A scenic view of Fossil Basin in early summer; yellow limestone, red mudstones and green vegetation
Photo by NPS Photo/Devin Cherry
visitor center with Fossil Butte in the background
Photo by NPS Photo
The moon rises just to the right of snow-covered Fossil Butte.
Photo by NPS Photo