Trailwind
National monument · WY

Fossil Butte National Monument

National Park Service
DesignationNational monument
StateWY
Managed byNational Park Service
Best seasonJun–Sep
On the map
Map showing the location of Fossil Butte National Monument

About Fossil Butte National Monument

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.

Things to do

BikingHikingWildlife viewing

When to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Best Jun–SepAverage monthly sunny share of daylight: 66%3.5 wet days / month
Weather data & source

Each figure averages the highlighted months. 2018–2023 averages, not a forecast. Wet days estimate days with at least 1 mm of rain or snow using a calibrated ERA5 threshold. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information. Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (AWS Open Data, CC BY 4.0). ERA5 via Open-Meteo AWS Open Data

Plan your visit

Fossil Butte National Monument is managed by National Park Service. Check current conditions, permits, and reservations before you go.

See it on Recreation.gov →