Where to Find Fossils in California: 312 Mapped Sites
California has 312 documented sites where fossils have been reported, and the best-known are Jenny Creek, Jacolitos Canyon, and Horse Canyon Agate Beds. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 3 of the 312 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Fossils Map: California
All 312 fossils sites in California. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Fossils Are Found in California
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 California: Jenny Creek, Jacolitos Canyon, Horse Canyon Agate Beds, 3 miles north of Henley, Alameda Creek.
Local reporting distinguishes Fossilized Coral (1 site), Fossilized Horse Bone (1 site).
Of the 312 sites, 3 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Fossils Sites in California
- Jenny Creek — Public Access
- Jacolitos Canyon — Public Access
- Horse Canyon Agate Beds — Public Access
- 3 miles north of Henley — Other
- Alameda Creek — Other
- Alkalai Gulch — Other
- Altamira Shale — Other
- Americano Creek — Other
- Angus Canyon — Other
- Arborgast Ranch — Other
- Balboa Parkway — Other
- Barbat and Galloway site — Other
- Bates Road — Other
- Bean Creek 1 — Other
- Bean Creek 2 — Other
- Bel Air Ridge — Other
- Bellshire — Other
- Black Gulch — Other
- Bolero Lookout — Other
- Bolinas Point — Other
- Bolinas Point — Other
- Brea Canyon Site 3 — Other
- Brown's Canyon — Other
- Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro — Other
- Cache Creek, NSF 878 — Other
- Camp Pendleton — Other
- Carpinteria Asphalt Pit — Other
- CAS 1692, Cuyama River — Other
- CAS 28326, Panoche Hills — Other
- CAS 29094, Garzas Creek — Other
- CAS 29676, Mustang Creek — Other
- CAS 31249, Coyote Creek — Other
- CAS 33672, Garzas Creek — Other
- CAS 33722, Crow Creek — Other
- CAS 465, Texas Springs — Other
- CAS 61455, Cropley Creek — Other
- CAS loc. 125 — Other
- CAS loc. 126 — Other
- CAS Loc. 1343 - Mt Vaca — Other
- CAS loc. 2245, Dry Creek — Other
- CAS loc. 31100, Dry Creek — Other
- CAS loc. 31102, Dry Creek — Other
- CAS Loc. 444 - Hornbrook — Other
- CAS loc. 53 — Other
- CAS loc. 58 — Other
- CAS loc. 60 — Other
- CAS loc. 69098 — Other
- Chula Vista — Other
- CIT Loc. 264 — Other
- Coalinga, 4 miles west northwest — Other
Showing 50 of 312 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 California?
California has 312 mapped sites where fossils have been reported. The best-known are Jenny Creek, Jacolitos Canyon, and Horse Canyon Agate Beds. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many fossils sites are mapped in California?
We have 312 documented fossils sites in California, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect fossils in California?
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 kinds of fossils are found in California?
Reports from California distinguish Fossilized Coral (1 site), Fossilized Horse Bone (1 site).
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.
Data: Paleobiology Database, community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.