Typically, when people go on safari, they’re on the hunt for live animals. In Wyoming, however, there’s an awesome safari experience that takes you on a search for prehistoric creatures from millions of years ago.
A few hours spent at the Warfield Fossil Safari is addictive. The quarry is so overflowing with fossils of prehistoric birds, insects, fish, and other marine life that you’re practically guaranteed to find more than one. Plus, these relics are exceptionally well-defined and complete, providing trophies you’ll be proud to take home.
Who knew the high desert on the western side of Wyoming was hiding an awesome treasure-trove of fossils?
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
That’s where you’ll find Warfield Fossils - aka the Fossil Safari - about 12 miles northwest of Kemmerer.
Google Maps Digs start at the end of May and run through the summer. Hours and announcements are posted on the site’s Facebook page. You don’t need to make reservations or even bring your own tools. Everything is provided. Just show up and start searching for fossils.
The spot is considered part of the Green River Formation, a geologic area that is a stunningly detailed record of prehistoric life from millions of years ago.
M0renaMia/TripAdvisor
Warfield Fossils is essentially a quarry, where layers and layers of “varve” have built up over eons.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube Varve is like rings in a tree trunk. Each year, another layer of sediment builds up, preserving whatever is in those layers.
The mud and clay in the Green River Formation eventually hardened to become the sandstone and limestone that’s so familiar in this part of Wyoming.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube It’s been estimated that the varve in this formation represents an uninterrupted record of nearly 6 million years.
The quarry crew breaks off chunks of lime and shale and deposits it in huge piles.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
Visitors select a few slabs…
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
…and go to work splitting them, one layer at a time.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
It’s not difficult work - almost anyone can do it.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
The payoff is amazing. The fossils at Warfield are some of the most detailed and complete found anywhere…
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
…and there are loads to be found.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
You might find one of the abundant fish fossils…
Jack B/TripAdvisor
…or a plant or insect imprint…
John P/TripAdvisor
…or the remains you find might be more rare, like a crocodile tooth.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
Coral, crabs, clams, and a variety of other sea life are on display.
Aleta B/TripAdvisor
Dig as long as you like to find as many fossils as you can.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
Visitors say one of the best things about this safari is that you get to take home your trophies.
Tim Glidewell/YouTube Fossil hunters are allowed to take home two of the fossils they find. Staff at the quarry will help trim and clean them. Here’s what you can expect when you spend a day on Fossil Safari:
Have you gone on safari at Warfield Fossils? Did you dig up anything amazing? What other places in Wyoming do you enjoy searching for fossils?
Tim Glidewell/YouTube
Google Maps
Digs start at the end of May and run through the summer. Hours and announcements are posted on the site’s Facebook page. You don’t need to make reservations or even bring your own tools. Everything is provided. Just show up and start searching for fossils.
M0renaMia/TripAdvisor
Varve is like rings in a tree trunk. Each year, another layer of sediment builds up, preserving whatever is in those layers.
It’s been estimated that the varve in this formation represents an uninterrupted record of nearly 6 million years.
Jack B/TripAdvisor
John P/TripAdvisor
Aleta B/TripAdvisor
Fossil hunters are allowed to take home two of the fossils they find. Staff at the quarry will help trim and clean them. Here’s what you can expect when you spend a day on Fossil Safari:
If you prefer the type of safari that involves shooting pictures of live animals, you’ll want to put this Epic Wyoming Wild West Safari on your bucket list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
