Private Dig Package
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical fitness required; some walking and digging involved
Overview
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.
Private Dig Package
All Ages • Your Own Private Dig for Up to 10 Participants
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of fossil hunting at The American Fossil Quarry, where you can excavate 2 cubic yards of rock at your own pace. Unlike other quarries, you keep every fossil you find, from rare fish to ancient reptiles and mammals. Perfect for families, this unique adventure promises unforgettable discoveries!
Excavate your private rock at The American Fossil Quarry!
Duration
This package allows you to work 2 cubic yards of rock at your own pace, separated from other guests. You can begin at 8:00am and only need to ensure that all of your fossils are cut and packed up by 5:00pm on the day of the scheduled dig.
About
You will get 2 cubic yards of rock to yourself - Bring the whole family along and dig at your own pace! (Limited to 10 people)
Why Choose American Fossil?
We are the only fossil quarry in the world that allows you to keep every fossil you find! You not only get to keep all of the common fish you find, but you will get to keep rare fish like Gar, Paddlefish, Amia and Stingrays; reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and monitor lizards; Mammals like 3-Toed Horses, Bats, small Rhinos, small camels and a variety of small carnivores; even birds like giant Frigate Birds, Raptors, Parrots and many more! All other quarries only let you keep certain, less valuable fossils, but with us you get to keep them all! The typical digger for a day leaves with more fossils than they know what to do with. This is perhaps, the most prolific fossil site in the world and we will help you maximize your experience. We are located just 45 minutes from Bear Lake, 45 minutes from Evanston, 2 hours form Yellow Stone, Salt Lake City and 2 hours from Park City. This is the perfect vacation activity!
Important
We do our very best to utilize the stone in our quarry and find every fossil. The rock is a non-renewable resource and we do our best not to waste it. We expect our guests to have a great time and split the rock as thin as possible to find all of the fossils hidden within, and maximize their experience.
- We ask that you do not smash the rock, or beat on it with your hammer
- Please be kind to our staff and be conscious of the incredible resource we are making available to the public
- We are not able to control the size of the rock as it comes out of the mountain and the rock that is there is the rock we are able to make available to our guests
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pronghorn antelope
- Red foxes
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salt Lake City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides protection from the sun during outdoor fossil digs.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from harmful UV rays while you're outdoors.
summer specific
Work gloves
Protect your hands while digging and handling fossils.
Sturdy hiking boots
Ensures good traction and ankle support on uneven terrain.