Where to Find Fossils in Utah: 156 Mapped Sites
Utah has 156 documented sites where fossils have been reported, and the best-known are San Rafael Swell, Thompson Springs, and Thompson Springs. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 11 of the 156 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Fossils Map: Utah
All 156 fossils sites in Utah. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Fossils Are Found in Utah
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 Utah: San Rafael Swell, Thompson Springs, Thompson Springs, Fairfield, Woodside.
Local reporting distinguishes Petrified Dinosaur Bone (4 sites), Jasperized Dinosaur Bone (4 sites), Agatized Clam (3 sites), Agatized Dinosaur Bone (2 sites).
Of the 156 sites, 11 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Fossils Sites in Utah
- San Rafael Swell — Public Access
- Thompson Springs — Public Access
- Thompson Springs — Public Access
- Fairfield — Public Access
- Woodside — Public Access
- Escalante — Public Access
- Hills by Colorado River — Public Access
- Torrey — Public Access
- Castle Dale — Public Access
- Emery — Public Access
- 4 miles south of Marjum Pass — Other
- Aaron Scott Quarry [PROXY] — Other
- Asteroidea, Carmel Fm, St. Georges — Other
- Asteroidea, Carmel Fm, Teasdale — Other
- Blane II quarry — Other
- Blind Stream, Duschene County — Other
- Blue Lizard Mine — Other
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail — Other
- Busted Croc Skull — Other
- Butler Wash — Other
- Carpoid Quarry — Other
- Cascade Springs, UT-2 — Other
- Cathedral Valley — Other
- Chainman Sh., Burbank Hills, UT — Other
- Chainman Sh., Foote Ranch, UT — Other
- Chainman Sh., Skunk Spring, UT — Other
- Chainman Sh., Wallet Gulch, UT — Other
- Cisco sauropod site — Other
- Clay Hills Pass — Other
- Confusion Range CONR-20 — Other
- Cowboy Pass, Confusion range — Other
- CP-0, Cowboy Pass, Confusion Range — Other
- Cub Creek tracksite — Other
- Del Monte Mines tracksite — Other
- Demineralized Lizard — Other
- Dog Valley, Pavant Range — Other
- Evacuation Creek, Watson — Other
- Gunlock hadrosaur — Other
- Hanksville-Burpee Quarry — Other
- Hansen Canyon — Other
- Hardman Gravel Quarries — Other
- Hayden-Corbett Site (Gr287v) — Other
- Henryville Creek — Other
- Hidden Canyon Overlook tracksite — Other
- Highway 191 north of Vernal — Other
- Hinkle Site (BYU) — Other
- Hintze faunule J-1 from Ibex — Other
- Holy Hand Grenade — Other
- Hoot Owl Canyon — Other
- Huntington Reservoir mastodons — Other
Showing 50 of 156 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 Utah?
Utah has 156 mapped sites where fossils have been reported. The best-known are San Rafael Swell, Thompson Springs, and Thompson Springs. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many fossils sites are mapped in Utah?
We have 156 documented fossils sites in Utah, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect fossils in Utah?
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 Utah?
Reports from Utah distinguish Petrified Dinosaur Bone (4 sites), Jasperized Dinosaur Bone (4 sites), Agatized Clam (3 sites), Agatized Dinosaur Bone (2 sites).
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.