Safety

Pack safety essentials for your hike including water, a hat, sunscreen, and bugspray.

NPS / Jamie Kennedy

Visitor safety is our priority at Fossil Butte National Monument. Report safety hazards to an employee or volunteer.

Hiking

• Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.
• Carry plenty of water. Drink more than you normally would.
• Protect yourself from the sun and insects.
• Be aware of elevation gains and steep downhill sections.
• Don't hike during thunderstorms. Lightning can be dangerous as far as 10 miles away.
• Trails, boardwalks, and bridges are slippery when wet or frosty. Use caution.
• Keep dogs on a leash.

Driving

• Use caution on gravel roads; they may be impassible when wet; loose gravel can cause rollovers.
• Some gravel roads are narrow with steep grades (17%).
• We do not recommend going on the gravel portion of the scenic drive if you are in an RV or towing.
• Drive cautiously and courteously.
• Watch for animals on the road, especially at night.
• Drive defensively and wear seat belts.
• Obey posted speed limits.

Wildlife

• Do not approach or feed wildlife.
• Mountain lion, black bear, and moose habitat exists in the park. Be observant during your visit and report any sightings or encounters.
• If camping on nearby public lands, keep a clean camp, and store food and garbage out of the reach of bears.
• No venomous snakes live here.

Insects

• Mosquitoes, deer flies, horse flies, and wood ticks are bothersome in the spring and summer months.
• Use insect repellent for protection.

Pets

• Leaving your pet in a closed vehicle during the warm summer days is dangerous. Open windows more than a crack and check on them often.
• Please keep pets under physical restraint at all times and clean up after them.
• Do not allow your pet to harass wildlife.

Weather

• Check the forecast before your hike.
• The weather can change rapidly. It can be 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) one day and 30 degrees F (-1 degrees C) and snowing the next, even in July.
• Strong winds are common.
• Thunderstorms move in rapidly. Seek shelter immediately. Avoid ridgelines and isolated tall trees.

Elevation

• Monument elevations range between 6,600 ft (2012 m) and 8,000 ft (2438 m) in a desert. You will get sunburned and dehydrated more easily than at lower elevations. The air is also much thinner than at lower elevations and can put more strain on you.
• Be aware of your physical limitations and drink water than you normally would to avoid the dehydrating effects of our dry desert climate.
• Stop and rest frequently.

Emergency

• Call 911
• Sheriff 307-877-3971
• Cell phone coverage is spotty

 

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  Plan Your Visit

  Summer is a good time to visit. Days are sunny and not too hot, nights are cool. Lodging, camping and restaurants are available nearby.

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  Current Conditions at Fossil Butte

  As you plan your visit, be sure to check out the current conditions at Fossil Butte National Monument.

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  Frequently Asked Questions

  Learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Fossil Butte NM.