Fossil Butte National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument is a paleontological reserve in Lincoln County where layers of limestone contain thousands of well-preserved fossils from the ancient past. These deposits reveal the remains of fish, plants, insects, and mammals that lived in a prehistoric subtropical lake environment.

This site originated from Lake Gosiute during the Eocene epoch roughly 50 million years ago when the region had a subtropical climate. Over time, geological processes transformed the ancient lakebed into the layered rock formations that preserve these fossils today.

Visitors can watch paleontologists at the visitor center carefully preparing fossils, using specialized tools to reveal the delicate structures of ancient creatures. These demonstrations show how scientists piece together the story of life from stone.

The site offers two hiking trails leading to fossil observation points, with ranger-guided tours available from June through September. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and explore the trails early in the day for better light and fewer crowds.

Researchers have identified more than 30 fish species within the sedimentary layers, with some specimens retaining their scales and fins intact. This exceptional preservation allows scientists to study the physical features of these ancient water dwellers in remarkable detail.