Fossil Butte National Monument

Fossil palm fronds and other plants indicate a climate similar to the Gulf Coast states.
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.
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