Where to Find Fossils in Nevada: 137 Mapped Sites
Nevada has 137 documented sites where fossils have been reported, and the best-known are Walker Lake, American Canyon (UCMP/Stanford), and AMNH B7979, Cottonwood Pass. 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 137 sites is on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Fossils Map: Nevada
All 137 fossils sites in Nevada. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Fossils Are Found in Nevada
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 Nevada: Walker Lake, American Canyon (UCMP/Stanford), AMNH B7979, Cottonwood Pass, AMNH B8517, Cottonwood Pass, AMNH Locality B72219, Thaynes Fm, Nevada.
Of the 137 sites, 1 is public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Fossils Sites in Nevada
- Walker Lake — Public Access
- American Canyon (UCMP/Stanford) — Other
- AMNH B7979, Cottonwood Pass — Other
- AMNH B8517, Cottonwood Pass — Other
- AMNH Locality B72219, Thaynes Fm, Nevada — Other
- Atlatl Rock tracksite — Other
- Bartine Member 1970-115 — Other
- Bartine Member 1996-25 — Other
- Bartine Member 2000-26 — Other
- Black Horse Canyon HB 134, New Pass Range — Other
- Butte Mountains, Unit 3 — Other
- Cain Mountain, USGS Section 14 — Other
- Central Butte Mountains CBM3-2 — Other
- Central Pacific Railroad shaft, Elko — Other
- CHS 1K-5, Dry Mountain, Long Valley — Other
- CHS 1K-9, Dry Mountain, Long Valley — Other
- Coal Canyon, SP I, Nevada — Other
- Coal Valley (UCMP V-3939) — Other
- Coils Creek Member 1996-40 — Other
- Coils Creek Member 1998-25 — Other
- Coils Creek Member 2000-13 — Other
- Conodonts in Central Nevada, Monitor Range Section — Other
- Copenhagen Fm.,argillite mbr. — Other
- Cortez Mountains (PROXY) — Other
- Cottonwood Spring (Cisne locality 19) — Other
- Coyote Canyon HB 65, North Humboldt Range — Other
- Crittenden Springs, Unit A — Other
- Death Creek Valley, Nevada — Other
- Dry Suzie Creek, Carlin Canyon — Other
- Duckwater Hills, 93NVNY-1 — Other
- Dunderburg Sh., McGill Section, Table D.21 — Other
- Dutch John Mountain — Other
- East Range, Humboldt (Homfray coll) — Other
- Elderberry Canyon Quarry — Other
- Elkobatrachus type locality — Other
- Favret Canyon HB 175, Augusta Mountains — Other
- Favret Canyon HB 186, Augusta Mountains — Other
- Ferguson Canyon HB 739, Augusta Mountains — Other
- Fish Creek Range (PROXY) — Other
- Fossil Hill (Lower Prida Fm) — Other
- Garfield Hills, Lithiotis biostrome — Other
- Gerster Ls., Medicine Range Section — Other
- Gerster Ls., Phalen Butte Section — Other
- Gerster Ls., South Pequop Section — Other
- Gerster Ls., Spruce Mountain Section — Other
- Gold Point, section GP-N 0 — Other
- Hamilton Canyon, 95NVWP-16 — Other
- Hillcrest west of Threemile Canyon — Other
- Ikes Canyon, IK IV 26, Nevada — Other
- Ikes Canyon, Toquima Range — Other
Showing 50 of 137 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 Nevada?
Nevada has 137 mapped sites where fossils have been reported. The best-known are Walker Lake, American Canyon (UCMP/Stanford), and AMNH B7979, Cottonwood Pass. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many fossils sites are mapped in Nevada?
We have 137 documented fossils sites in Nevada, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect fossils in Nevada?
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.