Fossil Point trailhead
Facility · Utah ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Price Field Office (Bureau of Land Management UT) · Open Access
- 4,272 ft
- Elevation
Fossil Point offers a rare glimpse into the Jurassic period, with exposed dinosaur bones preserved in the Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation sandstone dating back roughly 145 million years. Visitors can hike informal trails from the parking area to boulders containing visible fossils — vertebrae, limb bones, and other skeletal fragments from large sauropods — naturally displayed and accessible for viewing and gentle touch.
Beyond Fossil Point, a rough route descends toward the Green River, providing off-road exploration for high-clearance vehicles. This site combines casual hiking, fossil discovery, and opportunities for responsible recreation amid sweeping desert landscapes.
Hours and Seasons
Open year-round. Summer temperatures can be very high with minimal shade; early morning or evening visits are recommended.
Features and Services
- Access and Parking: Gravel parking area accommodates standard vehicles; high-clearance or 4WD may be useful in wet weather.
- 4×4 Driving: Beyond Fossil Point, a rough trail descends to the Green River, offering off-road exploration opportunities for high-clearance vehicles. Please tread lightly.
- Cell Service: Limited and inconsistent; do not count on reliable signal.
- Toilets: None available on-site.
- Drinking Water: No water is available on-site; please bring your own.
- Pets: Pets are allowed on leash.
- Camping: Overnight camping is prohibited at the trailhead, but primitive, dispersed camping is permitted on adjacent BLM lands. Please check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property. Developed campgrounds are available in the Green River area.
- Nearby Amenities: Green River (north) provides food, fuel, lodging, and medical services.
Respect and Protect
A protected resource, dinosaur bones are awesome to see and touch but fragile, irreplaceable, and illegal to take. Observe and photograph, but do not disturb or remove them. Practicing responsible outdoor ethics ensures these resources remain for future generations.
Getting there
From Green River, head south on Broadway/Green River Ave, then right onto Airport Road. After approximately 2.9 miles, turn left onto a maintained gravel road. Continue past Horse Bench Reservoir and over the dam, then turn left after 11.4 miles onto a dirt road. Follow 1.2 miles to the Fossil Point Trailhead parking area.
38.84075, -110.19903 · 38°50'26.7"N 110°11'56.5"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
No fees
Stay limit: 14 days
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Member photos
Common questions about Fossil Point trailhead
- Can you reserve a site at Fossil Point trailhead?
- No. Fossil Point trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
- How long can you stay at Fossil Point trailhead?
- 14 days
Camping near Fossil Point trailhead
- Swasey's Beach Campground 19.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- North Klondike Campground 23.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- White Wash Sand Dunes Trailhead 8.7 mi · Facility
- Trin-Alcove/ Three Canyon 9.8 mi · Facility
- Buckmaster TH 11.4 mi · Facility
- Black Dragon Pictograph Panel 14.1 mi · Facility
- Fivehole Arch TH 19.2 mi · Facility
- Mexican Mountain Trailhead 19.7 mi · Facility
- Lower Black Box Trailhead 21.8 mi · Facility
- Butler Wash Day Use 22.4 mi · Facility
- Klondike Bluffs North Trailhead 23.3 mi · Facility
- Upper Black Box Trailhead 23.3 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 435-636-3600
- Email utprmail@blm.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-18.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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