Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry

The Hanksville Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is a significant Late Jurassic dinosaur bonebed located near Hanksville, Utah. This fossil-rich deposit contains numerous sauropod, stegosaur, theropod, and ornithischian remains embedded in Morrison Formation sediments dating to about 150 million years ago. Visitors have the rare opportunity to observe active paleontological excavations and research permitted by BLM and conducted by the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Free guided tours are offered seasonally, allowing the public to see exposed fossils in the quarry and learn about the geology, the types of dinosaurs found, and the scientific process behind fossil discovery. This site provides an exceptional chance to experience real dinosaur paleontology in a natural quarry setting.

Hours and Seasons

The quarry is open seasonally, with free guided tours typically offered daily during portions of late spring and early summer. Tours are led by paleontology experts from the Burpee Museum of Natural History, generally last about 30 minutes, and showcase one of Utah’s most fossil-rich public land sites. Visitors should check for current schedules before planning a trip, as dates and times vary each year. Each visit offers a unique experience as the site continues to yield new discoveries.

Visitors are permitted to visit the quarry outside of scheduled tours.

Features and Services

• Access and Parking: Gravel parking area near the excavation site. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended due to rough road conditions.
• Cell Service: Limited to nonexistent; plan accordingly.
• Toilets: Portable toilets are typically available during tour weeks.
• Drinking Water: Bring your own water; none available on site.
• Pets: Allowed on leash; please keep them clear of excavation areas.
• Camping: Camping is not allowed at the quarry. Primitive or dispersed camping may be allowed nearby under BLM regulations. Visitors should follow fire restrictions and Leave-No-Trace practices.
• Nearby Amenities: Basic services including food, fuel, lodging, and medical facilities are available in Hanksville.

Respect and Protect

This is an active research and excavation site protected under federal law. Visitors are encouraged to observe and photograph but must not touch, remove, or disrupt any fossils or bones. Please stay within designated tour areas and respect safety boundaries. 

From Hanksville, drive north and west on Cow Dung Road approximately 10 miles. The final stretch is a gravel road; high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in wet conditions.