INTRO:
Part of the Green River and Wasatch fossil formations, the Fossil Butte National Monument, which is 15 miles west of the town of Kemmerer in southwestern Wyoming, features plant and animal remnants from a lake that covered the area over 50 million years ago. Still scientifically relevant today because of its fantastic preservation, the 8,198-acre park is a dream for paleontologists. It is also a beautiful high desert area excellent for hiking and observing nature.

FOSSILS:
Presenting a fascinating picture of life in the area during the Eocene Epoch, the Fossil Butte National Monument record is one of the most revered in the world. Fossil Lake, the main fossil basin, has produced excellent versions of dozens of kinds of fish, as well as many varieties of insects, plants, reptiles, birds and mammals that are found in museums around the world. Visitors are not supposed to remove fossils from the Monument, but only a small percentage of the fossil-rich area is covered by the park. And, over 75 attractive samples are on display in the park's museum, including a 13-foot crocodile and the oldest known bat fossil. Over the last 100 years, millions of fossils have been recovered, many of them extremely rare in that they have maintained texture and soft parts.

ACTIVITIES:
Around Kemmerer there are several private quarries that offer tours and trips to find fossils. There are also plenty of gift shops that offer excellent samples for a price. At the Fossil Butte National Monument, there are two interpretive hiking tails: the 1.5-mile Fossil Lake Trail and the 2.5-mile Historic Quarry Trail. They are both self-guided, but on summertime weekends, there are other guided tours of active research quarry, and daily paleontology and geology programs including fossil preparation demonstrations. The park also has a Visitor Center with a display of fine fossils, a bookstore and an information desk. The Fossil Country Museum on Pine Avenue in Kemmerer also has much in the way of fossil paraphernalia, not to mention early 1900s collectibles, some coal mining equipment and many other things to interest natural and human historians.

LODGING AND RESTAURANTS:
Located about 10 miles east of Fossil Butte National Monument, Kemmerer is the best place to set up operations. There is lodging, of which the Fossil Butte Motel is a safe bet, restaurants, try Bootleggers or Taco Time, and a few campgrounds.

PLAN YOUR VISIT:
Open all year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days, Fossil Butte National Monument's hours are 8:00am to 7:00pm in the summer and 8:00am to 4:30pm in the winter. Pets are allowed on trails, but must be on a leash at all times. Fossil Country Museum is open year-round, Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM in summer and from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM during the winter months. Admission is free to both the Monument and the Museum. Check with the different quarries and fossil viewing areas outside of the park about costs and hours.

WHEN TO VISIT:
November through March is often brutally cold in the area, and even spring and autumn can be chilly. Light frosts are even common on summer nights, so check your constitution before visiting. The majority of visitors come in June, July and August, while the area is heavy with school groups in May and September.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where can I get more information and facts about the Fossil Butte National Monument? The National Park Service site is a good place to start (http://www.nps.gov/fobu/) for more information about the Fossil Butte National Monument.