Utah is a vast geological record book, spanning the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras. The state’s unique environment, shaped by ancient seas and volcanic activity, has preserved an incredible diversity of life, from marine invertebrates to massive dinosaurs and Ice Age mammals. These formations make Utah a premier destination for paleontology. Understanding regulations and knowing where to look is necessary for anyone planning a fossil expedition, whether to view discoveries or participate in legal, hands-on collecting.
Understanding Fossil Collection Laws
Navigating Utah’s land ownership and fossil laws is the first step for any responsible collector. The Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) provides the legal framework for collecting on federal lands, which constitute roughly two-thirds of the state. The law distinguishes between common invertebrate and plant fossils versus vertebrate fossils.
Collecting vertebrate remains (dinosaur bones, fish, or mammal fossils) is strictly prohibited on federal and state lands without a permit issued to an accredited scientific institution. This prohibition also extends to trace fossils, including footprints or scat. However, the law allows for “casual collecting” of common invertebrate fossils, like trilobites or shells, for personal use on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands.
Casual collecting is limited to small, non-commercial amounts, typically defined as 25 pounds plus one piece per day, with an annual limit of 250 pounds. Collection must use non-powered hand tools and cause only negligible surface disturbance. Collection is entirely forbidden within protected areas like National Parks and National Monuments. Private property requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Locations for Hands-On Fossil Hunting
Western Utah offers accessible and prolific areas for legal amateur collection. The House Range in Millard County is renowned for its Cambrian-era trilobites, marine arthropods that swam in ancient seas approximately 500 million years ago. These fossils are preserved in the Wheeler Shale and are easily revealed by splitting thin layers of rock.
The U-Dig Fossils quarry, located west of Delta, is a commercial operation where the public pays a fee to guarantee a successful dig. Since this site is privately owned, visitors can legally collect and keep as many specimens as they find, including the common trilobite species Asaphiscus wheeleri. A free alternative exists on nearby BLM lands, where amateurs can search for common fossils, adhering to the 25-pound limit and other regulations.
Other hands-on opportunities exist, although collectors must be vigilant about land status. The Green River Formation, dating to the Eocene Epoch, is famous for its exquisitely preserved fish fossils. While the most celebrated fish quarries are across the border in Wyoming, the Utah portions yield plant and insect fossils that fall under the casual collecting rules for non-vertebrates. These sites allow hobbyists to find evidence of ancient lake environments.
Major Viewing Destinations and Discoveries
Utah protects massive fossil finds in destinations dedicated to viewing and education. Dinosaur National Monument, near Jensen, is home to the “Wall of Bones.” This quarry wall contains over 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in the rock face, representing a spectacular concentration of Jurassic-era life.
The monument’s fossils come from the Morrison Formation, yielding specimens from species like Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Diplodocus. Visitors can see these remains in situ, or in the original place of discovery. No collection of any kind is permitted within the monument.
Another significant viewing location is the Jurassic National Monument, which encompasses the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in central Utah. This site holds the densest concentration of Jurassic dinosaur fossils ever discovered, with over 12,000 individual bones excavated. The quarry is famous for the sheer number of Allosaurus remains, making it a unique window into the predator-prey dynamics of the late Jurassic period. Specimens from this quarry, including bones of Stegosaurus and Camarasaurus, are now housed in museums worldwide.
Preparation and Safety Guidelines
A successful fossil hunting trip in Utah requires careful preparation, especially given the state’s remote and arid landscapes. Adequate gear is necessary for comfort and safety in the high desert environment. Always carry significantly more water than you need, along with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
For collection activities, a basic rock hammer, chisel, and safety glasses are the standard tools for splitting shale and revealing fossils. These tools fall under the definition of non-powered hand tools permitted for casual collecting. Wear eye protection, as small rock shards can fly off when hammering.
Safety precautions in remote areas are necessary; inform someone of your exact location and expected time of return, as cell service is often unavailable. Be aware of the weather, particularly sudden summer thunderstorms that can cause flash flooding in washes and make dirt roads impassable. When working on slopes or cliffs, never undermine rock layers, as this can lead to collapse.