Fossil Butte National Monument overview
Fossil Butte National Monument
The park is unique in that it contains a lake bed from 50 million years ago, which has been perfectly preserved over time and provides an incredible glimpse into ancient aquatic life. The Fossil Butte National Monument is also home to a number of plant and animal species, including mule deer, elk, coyotes, and golden eagles.
One of the best reasons to visit Fossil Butte National Monument is to explore the visitor center, which exhibits a number of artifacts and interactive displays that introduce visitors to the park's rich geological and paleontological history. The center also provides an overview of the park and its various hiking trails, which range in length and difficulty.
For those interested in hiking, Fossil Butte National Monument has several trails that wind through the park's stunning landscapes and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. One of the most popular trails is the Fossil Lake Trail, where visitors can view the ancient lake bed and fossilized fish.
Other unique things to see at Fossil Butte National Monument include the Green River Formation, which contains evidence of the ancient lake bed, and the 40-foot-tall Fossil Butte, which provides panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
Overall, Fossil Butte National Monument is a must-visit for anyone interested in geology, paleontology, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. With its unique and well-preserved fossils, stunning landscapes, and educational exhibits, it offers something for everyone.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Fossil Butte National Monument as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Fossil Butte National Monument
What is Fossil Butte National Monument?
A point of interest in Wyoming tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Fossil Butte National Monument.