Where to Find Fossils in Arizona: 92 Mapped Sites
Arizona has 92 documented sites where fossils have been reported, and the best-known are 111 Ranch (UA 7933), 25 miles E of Cameron, and 6 miles SE of Cameron. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Fossils Map: Arizona
All 92 fossils sites in Arizona. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Fossils Are Found in Arizona
Fossils live in sedimentary rock — limestone, shale, and sandstone. Fresh exposures are everything: roadcuts, creek banks after storms, quarry spoil, and eroding badlands beat weathered outcrop every time.
The richest reported sites in Arizona: 111 Ranch (UA 7933), 25 miles E of Cameron, 6 miles SE of Cameron, Agate Bridge N, PFV 161, Alexander Wash, UCMP 7034.
All Fossils Sites in Arizona
- 111 Ranch (UA 7933) — Other
- 25 miles E of Cameron — Other
- 6 miles SE of Cameron — Other
- Agate Bridge N, PFV 161 — Other
- Alexander Wash, UCMP 7034 — Other
- Allentown Claypit (MNA) — Other
- Allentown N (UCMP 7313) — Other
- Andrus Canyon, USGS 21578-PC — Other
- Artillery Mountains midden 3 — Other
- Black Forest (UCMP V82241, PF2) — Other
- Blue Point, AZ (A1-1) — Other
- Bowman Locality, PFV 89 — Other
- Bridge Canyon, USGS 27031-PC — Other
- Bright Angel Trail (locality 6) — Other
- Calsoyasuchus Hill (TMM 43631) — Other
- Cameron tracksite, MNA 789 — Other
- Clover Springs (locality 14A) — Other
- Clover Valley (locality 14B) — Other
- Comb Ridge, Lewis Quarry — Other
- Cowboy (UCMP A257, PFV 154) — Other
- Dead Wash NW2 (PFV 492) — Other
- Dinosaur Hollow, PFV 20 — Other
- Gold Spring 1 (UCMP V85013) — Other
- Grandeur Point, Grand Canyon — Other
- Guano Cave, USGS 25025-PC — Other
- Havasu Canyon, east side — Other
- Hayes, Mule Mountains — Other
- House Mountain (MNA 318) — Other
- Jerome Hill Section — Other
- Jim Camp Wash 2 (PFV 83) — Other
- Krzyzanowski Bonebed, NMMNH L-3764 — Other
- Lake Mary, 10 miles SE of Flagstaff — Other
- Lake Mary road (locality 12C) — Other
- Locality A, Nankoweap Creek tributary — Other
- Lukachukai W (UCMP A270) — Other
- Middle Cedar Creek, Locality 2 — Other
- Milzer locality, MNA 853 — Other
- MNA 1454, Ward's Terrace — Other
- MNA 1496, 5 km NE Many Farms — Other
- MNA 220, Ward Terrace — Other
- MNA 222-0, Yale Point — Other
- MNA 245-1, Black Mesa — Other
- MNA 246-0, Black Mesa — Other
- MNA 254-0, Black Mesa — Other
- MNA 383-1, Balakai Point — Other
- MNA 795, Ward Terrace — Other
- MNA Loc. 236: BM 10 — Other
- MNA Loc. 254: BM 10 — Other
- MNA Loc. 271: BM 10 — Other
- MNA Loc. 304: BM 10 — Other
Showing 50 of 92 sites — every site appears on the map above.
How to Identify Fossils
Look for biological structure the rock around it lacks: shell curves and growth lines, the spongy honeycomb interior of bone, leaf veins, ribbed corals, or the segmented symmetry of a trilobite. Fossils usually contrast with their matrix in color or density. Bone that has mineralized feels heavier than fresh bone and often shows a polished brown-black surface.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find fossils in Arizona?
Arizona has 92 mapped sites where fossils have been reported. The best-known are 111 Ranch (UA 7933), 25 miles E of Cameron, and 6 miles SE of Cameron. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many fossils sites are mapped in Arizona?
We have 92 documented fossils sites in Arizona, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect fossils in Arizona?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify fossil?
Look for biological structure the rock around it lacks: shell curves and growth lines, the spongy honeycomb interior of bone, leaf veins, ribbed corals, or the segmented symmetry of a trilobite. Fossils usually contrast with their matrix in color or density. Bone that has mineralized feels heavier than fresh bone and often shows a polished brown-black surface.
What should I bring to collect fossils?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Fossils in Nearby States
Data: Paleobiology Database — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.