Visit Park Fossils

Photo of people walking toward fossil logs on the ground outdoors.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.

NPS photo.

Welcome

The fossils present in national parks provide one of the best ways to explore the paleontological heritage of the United States. At least 286 National Park Service areas preserve fossils, including 16 "Primary Fossil Parks" that were established wholly or in part for their fossils.

By visiting a national park, you may see the exact spot where a fossil tree was rooted or where a dinosaur walked millions of years ago! Or you may come across evidence of organisms that lived ancient seaways in states now far removed from the coasts, and learn the story of mammal evolution. Fossils in parks, along with the rocks in which they occur, allow people to feel a sense of connection to the geologic past and the story of life on planet Earth. Visitors to these "Must See Fossil Parks" will experience the tremendous sense of place and connection to spots the fossils were originally found.


You may explore fossils of the national parks either virtually through this website or by visiting a park. Fossils from national parks are also on exhibit in museums around the country where millions of people can experience them.

Learning about national park fossils offers uncommon perspectives into the geologic past and the history of life.

Park Fossils


Parks Pass

Get your pass! The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series includes several passes that cover entrance fees at national parks.

National Park Service Mobile App

Photo of a collection of fossil fish in a visitor center
Fossil Butte National Monument, Wyoming.

NPS photo.

Explore NPS Fossils on the go with the official National Park Service app. The app includes Self-guided tours, alerts and other valuable information. You can even send a postcard without a stamp right from your phone! Download the app in the iOS App Store and at Google Play. Search for "National Park Service." The app is free.

Many Fossil sites are shown in the app, including those listed on the Fossil Park Points of Interest webpage.

Leave No Trace—Protect Fossils for Science and Future Generations

image of Leave No Trace logo.

Fossils and paleontological sites are irreplaceable and nonrenewable. They are invaluable to science as they provide our only evidence of the history of life on Earth. A single fossil may be the only evidence of the existence of an entire species. Like rocks and other natural and cultural objects, collecting fossils for recreational, commercial, or educational use is prohibited in all units of the National Park System.

Learn more about how you can use Leave No Trace principles to help protect paleontological resources in national park.

Last updated: October 11, 2024

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