THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Wyoming's ancient past with a hands-on fossil excavation experience in Kemmerer. Perfect for outdoor lovers and history fans alike, this private adventure provides insights into prehistoric life while exploring rugged landscapes. Keep reading to find out what makes this trip unforgettable!
Discover Wyoming's ancient past with a hands-on fossil excavation experience in Kemmerer. Perfect for outdoor lovers and history fans alike, this private adventure provides insights into prehistoric life while exploring rugged landscapes. Keep reading to find out what makes this trip unforgettable!
Book with American Fossil
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by American Fossil · Kemmerer, Wyoming
The Four Hour Dig Package offered by American Fossil in Kemmerer, Wyoming, delivers an exciting adventure for fossil and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This exclusive private experience allows guests to participate actively in the scientifically significant process of fossil excavation. Over the course of four immersive hours, you'll learn about Wyoming's rich prehistoric past while guiding your own excavations under the guidance of expert paleontologists. The highlight of this trip is getting hands-on with real fossils, discovering ancient creatures embedded beneath hundreds of millions of years of sediment. What makes this experience truly special is its personalized approach—perfect for families, small groups, or solo explorers eager to connect with nature and history simultaneously. Kemmerer’s rugged landscape provides a perfect backdrop for this adventure, blending outdoor exploration with educational fun. Whether you're a seasoned fossil hunter or new to paleontology, you'll walk away with not only fascinating finds but also a deeper appreciation for Earth's ancient history. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at American Fossil make sure every participant feels comfortable and engaged, making this a memorable and enriching outdoor activity that combines adventure, education, and discovery in Wyoming’s captivating wilderness.
moderate.
4 hours.
Participants should have a basic level of fitness to walk and dig comfortably on uneven terrain.
No prior experience is required; everyone is guided through the process by knowledgeable staff.
Participants of ages 8 and up can enjoy the experience, with some restrictions based on physical ability.
You are encouraged to keep your fossil discoveries as souvenirs of your adventure.
Wear comfortable, protective outdoor clothing, including sturdy shoes, and bring a hat and sunscreen.
While moderately active, the work involves walking and digging, suitable for most physically able participants.
Yes, private bookings are available for groups, birthdays, and other special events.
Kemmerer is known as the 'Gateway to Fossil Canyon' and has a rich history rooted in coal mining and paleontological discoveries.
American Fossil emphasizes sustainable excavation practices, ensuring fossils are preserved responsibly to protect Wyoming’s prehistoric heritage.
American Fossil operates the American Fossil Quarry in Salem, Utah, offering hands-on fossil hunting and paleontology experiences for families, students, and adult enthusiasts. Participants can book timed digs—Two Hour Dig, Four Hour Dig—or secure a Private Dig Package that includes excavation of two cubic yards of rock. The quarry is unique in that visitors keep every fossil they find, spanning rare fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds from the Green River Formation. Educational Paleontology Experience programs are offered for ages 8–11, 12–15, and 16 and up, combining field excavation with preparation lab sessions. In the lab, participants learn fossil preparation and restoration techniques, create reproductions like an Elasmosaurus vertebra or a dinosaur skull replica, and take home curated specimens such as Mosasaur teeth and Green River fossil fish. American Fossil maintains a professional preparation lab and provides expert-led instruction and safety guidance during field activities. Bookings are limited to preserve a focused, hands-on environment and ensure staff attention for each group. The business emphasizes factual interpretation of finds and offers takeaway specimens and display stands when included in the experience. Located in central Utah, the quarry enables access to well-preserved Eocene fossils and supports public engagement with paleontology through guided excavation and classroom-style learning. American Fossil’s combination of field access, tangible takeaways, and structured educational programs makes it a reliable choice for visitors seeking an authentic fossil hunting experience. Staff include trained preparators and guides who follow best practices. Reservations online are recommended to secure preferred dates. Contact details are provided.
Book with American Fossil