Where to Find Fossils in Idaho: 47 Mapped Sites
Idaho has 47 documented sites where fossils have been reported, and the best-known are 1205-base, 4.8 km east of Boise, and AMNH B7858, Conant Valley. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 1 of the 47 sites is on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Fossils Map: Idaho
All 47 fossils sites in Idaho. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Fossils Are Found in Idaho
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 Idaho: 1205-base, 4.8 km east of Boise, AMNH B7858, Conant Valley, Bear Lake, Bear River Range.
Of the 47 sites, 1 is public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Fossils Sites in Idaho
- 1205-base — Other
- 4.8 km east of Boise — Other
- AMNH B7858, Conant Valley — Other
- Bear Lake — Public Access
- Bear River Range — Other
- Channel near Big Windy Peak — Other
- Crab Ridge, Logan River — Other
- East of Bear Lake — Other
- Emerald Creek Site #1 (P-37) — Other
- Georgetown-Nounan Road — Other
- Grizzly Creek, Caribou County — Other
- Hagerman (Clover Creek) — Other
- Henry, Claraia zone, Caribou County — Other
- IMNH Locality 69003 — Other
- IMNH Locality 80005 — Other
- IMNH Locality 85029 — Other
- Little Jacks Creek — Other
- Locality 37n (Pend Oreille Lake) — Other
- Maybe Canyon, Dry Ridge, Caribou County — Other
- North of Red Rock Pass — Other
- North Wooley Range, Caribou County — Other
- Paris Canyon, Bear Lake County — Other
- Paris Canyon, Bear Lake County — Other
- Paris Canyon, Dinwoody Fm — Other
- Reservoir Mountain (locality 3) — Other
- Robison Bonebed (IMNH 2251) — Other
- SJS-841, Eightmile Canyon, Arco Hills — Other
- Trapper Creek Flora — Other
- UCM L-676, Paris Canyon — Other
- USGS 10519-PC, North Dry Valley — Other
- USGS 10593-PC, Swan Lake Canyon — Other
- USGS 1271-PC, Yandell Springs — Other
- USGS 1304a-PC, Yandell Springs — Other
- USGS 1315-PC, Yandell Springs — Other
- USGS 1336-PC, Jeff Cabin Creek — Other
- USGS 5013, Bear Lake Hot Springs — Other
- USGS 7390 green, Montpelier Canyon — Other
- USGS 7395 green, Montpelier Canyon — Other
- USGS 7813 green, Crane Creek — Other
- USGS 7825 green, Caribou County — Other
- USGS 7878 green, Sage Creek — Other
- USGS 823-PC, Caribou County — Other
- USGS 826-PC, Caribou County — Other
- USGS 978, Duke Claim, Swan Lake — Other
- USGS 993, Diamond Claim, Swan Lake — Other
- Wood Canyon, Aspen Range — Other
- Wood Canyon, packstone — Other
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 Idaho?
Idaho has 47 mapped sites where fossils have been reported. The best-known are 1205-base, 4.8 km east of Boise, and AMNH B7858, Conant Valley. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many fossils sites are mapped in Idaho?
We have 47 documented fossils sites in Idaho, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect fossils in Idaho?
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, community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.