Premier Single-Person Paleo Adventure: Dig the Legendary 18-Inch Layer
Step into the experience everyone’s been waiting for—our exclusive solo fossil tour within the world-famous Fossil Butte Member of the Green River Formation. This is immersive paleo-tourism at its finest: personalized science, private quarry access, and the chance to uncover 50-million-year-old fossils with expert guidance.
Welcome to Your Private Tour
You’ll meet our highly trained team at our gallery in Kemmerer, Wyoming, just two hours from Salt Lake City. From there, you’ll be paired with your own professional geologist or experienced guides as we head to our private quarry. If you choose to drive yourself, please bring a 4WD or AWD vehicle.
🌄 WHAT TO EXPECT
Safety + Tools
When we arrive at the quarry, we’ll walk you through the tools, techniques, and safety procedures you’ll use throughout the evening. Then the real adventure begins.
Dig into the Upper Split Horizons.
Your one-on-one guide will teach you how to work through the upper split horizons of the Fossil Butte Member—the layers that reward you with instant-gratification fossil reveals. Fish, flora, and more will emerge right before your eyes as we talk geology, paleoecology, and the history hidden within each layer. All fossils you uncover on the upper splits will be trimmed and boxed for you by your guide. Shipping options are available if needed.
🍽 Sunset Gourmet Dinner
As the sun drops behind the Fossil Butte National Monument, enjoy a gourmet meal from the Opera House Store. This is your time to relax, talk science, ask questions, and soak in the views.
🌙 Night Dig in the Famous 18-Inch Layer
As daylight fades, we move to the star of the tour: The 18-inch layer—home to the Green River Formation’s most detailed and iconic fossils. Using quiet, solar-powered lighting, you’ll experience this legendary layer in a peaceful, noise-free environment. Here is where the real magic happens—ultra-detailed fish, rare flora, and beautifully preserved specimens.
🌃 Wrap-Up
At the end of the night, we’ll discuss prep options for your fossils. You can take them home as-is or talk with our team about professional preparation and shipping. We’ll then guide you back to your accommodations at the newly remodeled Opera House, where you’ll drift off surrounded by small-town charm and the aroma of the bakery downstairs.
☕ The Next Morning
Wake up slow—trust us, you’ve earned it. Head over to Fossil Fuel, just half a block away, for breakfast and coffee on us. Afterward (late morning is perfectly fine!), bring some of your fossil finds back to our gallery where you’ll receive a Master Class in Green River Formation fossil preparation from our experts.
🌟 WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 8–9 hours of private quarry access
- All tools, equipment, and safety gear
- Overnight accommodations at the Opera House Store
- Dedicated geologist + seasoned guides
- Transportation to/from the quarry
- Gourmet dinner at sunset (dietary substitutions available)
- Voucher for breakfast & coffee at Fossil Fuel
- Master Class in fossil preparation
- Boxed fossils from your dig
Optional add-ons: professional prep of unique specimens, shipping
🧳 WHAT TO BRING
- Gloves
- Knee pads
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket (evenings can get chilly)
