Wyoming’s rich prehistoric heritage is now open to the public through a handful of guided fossil‑dig programs. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious family looking for a unique weekend adventure, these tours let you work side‑by‑side with professional paleontologists and bring home a piece of Earth’s ancient past.
Popular Guided Dig Operators
Dig Wyoming Dinosaurs is an independent adventure company that organizes professionally guided digs throughout the state. The company’s tours often travel to sites near Newcastle, where the riverbed has yielded numerous dinosaur remains over the years. Participants can expect hands‑on instruction, proper safety gear, and the chance to uncover fossils that range from small, chicken‑sized specimens to larger finds such as the iconic Triceratops. The company allows diggers to keep any fossils they discover, providing a tangible souvenir of the experience.
Another well‑established option is the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis. The Center runs all‑day, public‑program digs that are designed for both beginners and more experienced hobbyists. Guided by the Center’s staff, participants work in a designated dig area, learning proper excavation techniques while contributing to ongoing scientific research. The Center’s program is praised for its educational value and family‑friendly atmosphere.
What to Expect on a Dig
All of the guided tours provide the necessary tools, including brushes, small picks, and protective gloves. Before heading out, participants receive a brief orientation on fossil identification, proper handling, and safety protocols. The digs typically take place in former riverbeds or ancient lakebeds where sediment has preserved the bones of dinosaurs that roamed the region millions of years ago.
While the Triceratops is the most commonly found dinosaur in Wyoming, the state’s fossil record also includes smaller species that measured only a few inches in length. This variety ensures that each dig can yield a surprise, whether you uncover a fragment of a massive horned dinosaur or a tiny vertebra from a lesser‑known creature.
Beyond Dinosaurs: Fossil Safaris Near Kemmerer
For those interested in broader paleontological discoveries, the commercial pay‑to‑dig quarries near Kemmerer offer a “fossil safari.” These sites focus on the ancient lakebed that once covered the area, providing opportunities to find fossils of prehistoric plants, fish, and other organisms that lived in the lake millions of years ago. While not dinosaur‑specific, the experience expands participants’ understanding of the region’s deep geological history.
Planning Your Trip
All tours require advance reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons. Prices vary by operator and the length of the dig, but most programs are priced to be accessible for families. Participants should wear sturdy, weather‑appropriate clothing and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as digs often take place outdoors in open terrain.
Many of the operators also share video highlights of their digs online. For example, paleontology content creator Doug Crawford—known online as “Dino Doug”—has posted footage of his recent dig near Newcastle, offering a glimpse of what participants can expect.
Why These Digs Matter
Guided fossil digs serve both educational and scientific purposes. By involving the public, these programs foster a deeper appreciation for Wyoming’s natural history and support ongoing research. The fossils recovered by participants often become part of museum collections or are studied by researchers to better understand the ancient ecosystems that once covered the state.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend family outing, an educational field trip, or a chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient giants, Wyoming’s guided dinosaur digs provide a memorable and enriching experience.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
