American Fossil

American Fossil: Digging Real Fossils in the Green River Formation

American Fossil is a company that manages a private fossil quarry in southwestern Wyoming, within the Green River Formation, a site world-renowned for the exceptional preservation of Eocene fossils. Its offering allows visitors to dig and keep the fossils they find, with no permits or prior experience required. The activity takes place in an outdoor setting where participants split open stone slabs with real tools and receive assistance from expert guides.

A Private Quarry with Fossils Over 50 Million Years Old

The quarry, called "FishDig", is located on private land with exclusive access to one of the richest fossil layers in the region. According to the company, the fossils extracted correspond to fish, plants, and rare species that lived more than 50 million years ago, during the Eocene epoch. The company states that all visitors can keep every fossil they find, with no hidden fees or limits, and that no permit is required to participate.

Dig Types and 2026 Season Prices

The company's 2026 season catalog includes several dig options:

• 8-hour dig: $169 for adults (ages 15 and up) and $89 for children ages 6 to 14.
• 4-hour dig: $109 for adults and $74 for children.
• 2-hour dig: $89 for adults and $59 for children.
• Children under 6: free admission with a paying adult.
• Private dig option for groups of up to 10 people: $750.

The company notes that prices are subject to change and that rock is a non-renewable resource, so it asks visitors to make the most of it and avoid hitting or breaking it unnecessarily. It also states that it cannot control the size of the stones extracted from the mountain, but assures that all are fossil-rich regardless of their shape or location.

Target Audience and Guide Services

The activity is designed for families, schools, educators, homeschool groups, and science enthusiasts. No prior experience is required, and the site's guides explain digging techniques, safety, and fossil identification. The company highlights that the staff consists of paleontology enthusiasts, educators, and conservation specialists, and that the experience is suitable for both children and adults. Additionally, pets are allowed but may only remain in the parking area and must be kept on a leash at all times.

Staff Equipment and Experience

The American Fossil team is led by three owners and several quarry managers and guides. Patrick Hogle, owner of Paleoland Holdings, worked as a wildlife biologist, biology teacher for 12 years, and school administrator; his interest focuses on sharing the fossil resource with families and fostering scientific vocations. Seth Sorensen, owner of Fossil Shack, is the author of several books and has participated in the excavation of one of only two three-toed horses ever discovered; he has also worked with museums and universities on exhibit mounting. Jeff Peterson, the most recent member, is a lawyer and educator with an interest in fossils and history. Gib Clement, a former Navy engineer, is the quarry manager, and Cooper Williams, a student at the University of Wyoming, is the lead guide and fish expert.

Geological and Historical Context of the Quarry

The Green River Formation originated about 50 million years ago, when three large lakes covered parts of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. The smallest, known as "Fossil Lake", was 50 miles long and 20 miles wide at its maximum extent. The climate was subtropical, with forests of palms, figs, and cypresses, and fauna that included 25 types of fish, stingrays, insects, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, bats, birds, the first primates, and dog-sized horses and rhinos. The remains settled to the bottom of the lake and were covered by layers of calcium carbonate and sediment that, over time, turned into rock. Although the lake once covered 1,000 square miles, the richest fossil beds occupy only about 15 square miles. The paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope excavated at Fossil Buttes in the 1870s. Today, the American Fossil quarry welcomes scientists, celebrities, athletes, and families from around the world.

Location and Access

The quarry is located near Kemmerer, Wyoming, 65 minutes from Bear Lake, 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City and Park City, and 4 hours from Yellowstone. The company also mentions proximity to Jackson Hole. These geographical references confirm that the activity takes place in southwestern Wyoming, in the United States.

Location and Contact

Phone: 801-836-7269