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Unearth the mysteries of the Whetstone Mountains with The Fossil Exploration. Discover ancient marine fossils, petrified wood, and learn about the only sonorasaurus dinosaur ever found—all capped with a museum tour that's perfect for adventurers of all ages.
Unearth the mysteries of the Whetstone Mountains with The Fossil Exploration. Discover ancient marine fossils, petrified wood, and learn about the only sonorasaurus dinosaur ever found—all capped with a museum tour that's perfect for adventurers of all ages.
Book with Trails and Tales of Cochise County
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Trails and Tales of Cochise County · Bisbee, Arizona
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Whetstone Mountains in Southern Arizona, The Fossil Exploration offers a unique hands-on experience that connects adventurers with Earth’s prehistoric past. Located just north of Sierra Vista near the historic town of Bisbee, this seven-hour expedition is a must for history buffs, nature lovers, and curious families alike. What sets this journey apart is its focus on discovering real fossils scattered across one of Cochise County’s most scientifically significant landscapes, home to fossilized marine life, petrified wood, and the extraordinary sonorasaurus dinosaur fossil—the only one of its kind ever found.
The day begins at the Grassy Park in old town Bisbee, a charming starting point before heading into the heart of the Whetstone Mountains. This area has seen less tampering than many fossil sites, meaning your chances of finding fossil fragments on the surface are remarkably strong. Guided by an expert paleontologist, guests learn to identify fossilized remains amidst the rocky terrain and gain insights into the geological forces that shaped this region over millions of years. The sonorasaurus discovery—a fascinating dinosaur from approximately 112 to 93 million years ago—serves as a highlight of the expedition. Participants follow the footsteps of geology student Richard Thompson, whose 1994 find remains a groundbreaking paleontological achievement.
The adventure doesn't end outdoors. On the return trip, the tour concludes with a personalized visit to the Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology located in Sierra Vista Mall. Here, travelers can examine and even handle a curated collection of local fossils, expanding on their morning discoveries and deepening their understanding of the region’s natural history. Time for lunch is flexible, allowing visitors to grab a bite in the food court before heading home.
Tour guests are equipped with day packs, hiking sticks, two liters of water, and snacks to stay comfortable and energized throughout the hike. While the trail involves some uneven ground and loose rocks, no technical climbing skills are needed, making this trip accessible to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking shoes and long pants are required, and sunscreen and gloves are recommended for added protection.
This immersive expedition showcases a lesser-known side of Southern Arizona’s outdoor offerings — geology and paleontology — carved into the landscape alongside the Kartchner Caverns. By combining field exploration with museum education, it offers a compelling blend that satisfies both adventure and curiosity. Whether seeking a family-friendly day out or a deeper dive into natural science, The Fossil Exploration crafts a memorable experience into the rugged wilds of the Whetstone Mountains.
moderate.
7 hours.
Moderate fitness is recommended to handle uneven trails with some elevation gain over several hours.
Yes, the hike is family-friendly with no technical climbing required, though children should be supervised due to uneven terrain.
You can find ancient marine fossils, petrified wood, and possibly fragments linked to the rare sonorasaurus dinosaur.
Snacks and water are provided, but lunch is on your own with time to purchase food at Sierra Vista Mall's food court.
No prior experience is needed; the guide provides instruction and tools to help beginners identify fossils.
Hiking shoes and long pants are required; sunscreen and gloves are recommended for protection.
No technical climbing skills or equipment are needed, though the trail includes some uneven and rocky sections.
The sonorasaurus fossil discovery in 1994 marked a significant paleontological milestone for Southern Arizona, putting the Whetstone Mountains on the map for dinosaur enthusiasts.
The tour promotes responsible fossil hunting by educating participants on preserving fossil sites and minimizing environmental impact in the Whetstone Mountains.
Trails and Tales of Cochise County is a Bisbee, Arizona-based tour operator that specializes in guided hikes, historic walking tours, motorized day trips, gallery strolls and cave and fossil explorations across Cochise County and southeast Arizona. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the company curates local routes that highlight Bisbee’s mining heritage, regional natural landmarks and borderland history. Tours range from short walking tours through Old Town Bisbee and Brewery Gulch to longer outdoor hikes such as the Brown Canyon–Ramsey Canyon loop and the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb route. Motorized day trips visit nearby destinations including Douglas and Agua Prieta, presenting cultural sites, historic hotels and local food. Specialty offerings include spelunking at Coronado Cave, fossil-focused walks, and themed experiences like the Wailing Woman of Zacatecas Canyon and trips to Chiricahua National Monument features. All trip descriptions reflect on-site points of interest — Lavender Pit Mine viewpoints, mineshaft remnants, Pioneer Cemetery sites, and native wildlife viewing at Ramsey Canyon and Whitewater Draw. Trails and Tales of Cochise County organizes experiences appropriate for a range of abilities and interests, emphasizing historical context and natural interpretation. Information about routes, meeting points, and trip type (hike, walk, motorized) is provided for each offering, so visitors can select the best match for fitness level and curiosity.
Book with Trails and Tales of Cochise County