Spend two hours splitting 500-million-year-old shale in a guided trilobite dig just west of Delta, Utah. This hands-on quarry access pairs expert instruction with the real possibility of finding museum-quality fossils.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A wind-salted valley unfolds as you step from the vehicle: low, folded ridges of gray shale stretch toward the House Range, and the ground underfoot crunches with the sharp taste of ancient sea-floor. In this two-hour quarry access, visitors trade sidewalks for sediment layers laid down some 500 million years ago, prying and sifting for unmistakable trilobite fragments under instructor guidance.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks over uneven ground and light manual work when splitting shale.
Wildlife
History
The shale deposits exposed here are Cambrian in age (roughly 500 million years old) and have been a focus for paleontologists studying early marine ecosystems.
Conservation
Collecting is allowed only in designated areas to protect scientifically valuable outcrops; follow leave-no-trace principles and pack out trash and extra matrix.
Reserve your spot on the 2 hour Quarry Access today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear closed-toe boots
Shale is sharp and uneven; sturdy hiking boots protect your feet and provide traction on loose scree.
Bring sun protection
High desert sun is strong—use a hat, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen for the full two hours.
Hydrate before and during
Carry at least 1 liter of water per person and sip regularly—heat can build quickly with physical exertion.
Handle finds with care
Fossils can be fragile; follow instructor guidance on removing matrix and packing specimens.
Sturdy hiking boots
Protects feet on sharp shale and provides ankle support on uneven terrain.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Reduces sun exposure during open-site digging.
summer
1–2 liters of water
Necessary for hydration in the high-desert environment.
summer
Small backpack or pack sack
Keeps tools, water, snacks, and any small finds secure during the outing.