Can children participate in the Fossil Discoveries tour?

Yes, children aged 8 and up can join, but those under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult or guardian.

Is it guaranteed that I will find fossils?

Fossil finds cannot be guaranteed, but participants often uncover small specimens like fish scales or teeth to take home.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring water, sun protection, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.

Is this experience accessible for people with limited mobility?

No, the quarry and museum facilities are not currently accessible for those with limited mobility.

Are meals or snacks provided?

No, meals are not included, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks and water.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours are weather dependent; cancellations due to weather are fully refunded or can be rescheduled.

Unearth Ancient Mysteries with the Fossil Discoveries Field Tour in St. George, Utah

Located in the red-rock city of St. George, Utah, the Fossil Discoveries Field Tour offers an immersive three-hour experience that connects adventurers with a prehistoric world hidden just beneath the desert soil. This hands-on tour is anchored at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, a world-renowned paleontological hotspot that reveals a snapshot of life from 170 million years ago, during the Jurassic period. Here, the landscape is defined by striking sandstone formations and vibrant fossil beds that have preserved fish, dinosaur teeth, ancient plants, and even shark remains in remarkable detail. This isn't just another museum tour — this is your chance to actively engage with Utah’s rich geological heritage.

Your journey begins inside the museum’s fossil preparation lab, where expert paleontologists offer a behind-the-scenes look at how delicate fossils are carefully unearthed and preserved. This introductory session introduces guests to the science and significance of the region’s fossil finds before heading out to the quarry site. At the quarry, the real adventure starts with a safety and tool-use briefing; then you’ll spend two hours digging within a recently active excavation zone opened in the spring of 2025. This active dig site has produced thousands of fossils, from tiny fish scales to dinosaur teeth, making every moment thrilling for discovery.

The location itself is unique, within proximity to Slickrock Park and embraced by the stunning desert environment of southwestern Utah. The fossil beds here showcase sandstone layers that, through time, have captured snapshots of ancient aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, distinctly different from the arid landscape visitors see today. It’s a rare opportunity to uncover traces of species that roamed this area millions of years ago, all while learning from paleontologists passionate about sharing their knowledge.

This tour stands out not only because of the quality and variety of fossils but also for delivering an authentic field experience that is family-friendly (ages 8 and up). It highlights St. George’s role as a center of paleontological research and education, adding a profound sense of place for visitors interested in natural history beyond typical sightseeing. You’ll leave with new insights, possibly a small fossil find to take home, and a memorable story about standing where dinosaurs once roamed.

Situated just minutes from downtown St. George, the Fossil Discoveries tour is easily accessible for travelers seeking other outdoor adventures nearby, such as hiking in Snow Canyon State Park or exploring Zion National Park. Be sure to pack sturdy boots, sun protection, and plenty of water for this dusty, hands-on journey into deep time. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or a curious family, this trip offers an active way to connect with Utah’s prehistoric past unlike any other.

About St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site

St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site in St. George, Utah, is a public paleontology center that preserves and interprets Early Jurassic fossil beds and trackways. The site features permanent exhibits displaying original fossils, detailed casts of dinosaur footprints, and educational displays that explain the local geologic history. Visitors can purchase General Admission to explore the museum floor, view remarkable fossil specimens, and participate in hands-on activities suitable for all ages.

For guests seeking active fieldwork, the Fossil Discoveries Field Tour offers a three-hour experience that begins with an exclusive lab tour and continues with supervised digging at an important quarry site, where participants may uncover fossils such as dinosaur teeth and ancient plant remains. The facility supports scientific interpretation through on-site exhibits, lab access during tours, and staff-led educational programming. The site’s programs emphasize responsible collection practices and collaboration with paleontologists to ensure fossils are recorded and conserved appropriately. Educational resources and guided experiences are designed for families, students, and amateur fossil enthusiasts who want direct engagement with paleontology. Interpretive signage, curated displays, and hands-on stations provide context for the fossils and trackways preserved at the location. The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site serves both as a community museum and as an access point for field-based paleontology experiences, combining exhibit interpretation with real-world discovery opportunities that connect visitors to the prehistoric record preserved in southwestern Utah.

Programming and tours accommodate a wide range of ages and interests, offering educational value for school groups, families, and individual visitors, regularly throughout the year.