Discover Wyoming’s ancient past through a private fossil digging adventure in Kemmerer. Uncover real fossils, learn from expert guides, and enjoy a personalized outdoor experience in the heart of Wyoming's geological history.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical fitness required; some walking and digging involved
Wildlife
History
Kemmerer is home to the first commercially successful coal mine in Wyoming and has a rich mining history that shaped the region.
Conservation
American Fossil emphasizes sustainable fossil hunting practices, ensuring natural preservation and minimizing environmental impact.
American Fossil
Discover Wyoming’s ancient past through a private fossil digging adventure in Kemmerer. Uncover real fossils, learn from expert guides, and enjoy a personalized outdoor experience in the heart of Wyoming's geological history.
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.
Location
Salem, Utah
Home of the American Fossil Quarry
Keep Finds
You keep fossils
Every discovery is retained by visitors
Dig Options
2 hr • 4 hr • Private
Multiple durations including private digs
Age Programs
8–11, 12–15, 16+
Hands‑on experiences for kids and adults
Book a Two Hour, Four Hour, Private Dig or a Paleontology Experience today to secure dates and guarantee hands-on instruction and takeaway specimens.
Dress in layers for changing weather
Wyoming weather can vary greatly; dressing in layers ensures comfort throughout your fossil hunt.
Stay hydrated and wear sun protection
Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen to stay comfortable during outdoor excavations.
Bring sturdy footwear
Wear durable hiking shoes with good grip suitable for uneven terrain.
Follow guide instructions carefully
Pay close attention to your guide’s directions for safety and to maximize your fossil finds.
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides protection from the sun during outdoor fossil digs.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from harmful UV rays while you're outdoors.
summer
Work gloves
Protect your hands while digging and handling fossils.
Sturdy hiking boots
Ensures good traction and ankle support on uneven terrain.