Dinosaur Fossil Digsites in the Bighorn Basin

The Bighorn Basin contains extensively documented fossil-bearing deposits that date from 550 million years ago (Cambrian Period) to the present. These include world famous outcrops that contain dinosaur bones and tracksites, ancient marine reptiles, and primitive mammal fossils. These deposits are located on privately held land as well as on public land, both state and federal. Professional scientists, including world famous geologists and paleontologists have conducted scientific research in this area for over 100 years. Some of the more important sites in the Bighorn Basin are described below.

(click on images to enlarge)

Howe Dinosaur Quarry

The world-famous Howe Dinosaur Quarry near Shell, Wyoming is situated in one of the most extensive Jurassic dinosaur bone beds known in North America.

Kirby Siber has been collecting dinosaurs at the Howe Quarry since 1990. Seven of his finest original Howe-Stephens Quarry dinosaur skeletons are being displayed at expositions throughout the world. Click on Howe Dinosaur Quarry for a review of the rich history of the Howe Quarry, and more information about the reopening of the Howe Quarry by dinosaur hunter Kirby Siber.

Red Canyon Ranch Dinosaur Quarry

Paleontologist Bob Simon, working at the Red Canyon Ranch near Shell, Wyoming collected a virtually complete articulated Stegosaurus skeleton in 2004, with the assistance of dinosaur hunter Kirby Siber and his crew. Named “Sarah” after the daughter of the owners of Red Canyon Ranch, the first public display of the skeleton reconstruction of Sarah was at the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show in February, 2008 (see image above).

In 2007, Bob again struck paydirt, uncovering a virtually complete articulated Camarasaurus, which has now been excavated (see image) and discussions are underway to find a suitable home for the specimen.

The Red Canyon Ranch Dinosaur Quarry is situated on private land near Shell.

Dinosaur Tracksites

Located just west of Shell, Wyoming, along the Red Gulch/Alkali Scenic Backroad Byway, is one of the largest collections of rare, middle Jurassic age dinosaur tracks in the world. These rare tracks were discovered by members of our GeoScience Adventures Team. Click on Tracksites to learn more about the discovery and development of the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite and other dinosaur tracksites in the Bighorn Basin.

National Museum of Natural History

Paleontologists from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, led by Dr. Michael Brett-Surman, collected marine reptile specimens from this site, which was discovered in 1995 by Row Manuel. A reproduction of one of the Ichthyosaur specimens, “Ikky”, is currently on display in the postal office lobby at Shell, Wyoming. Click on ichthyosaur for enlarged image.

Other Major Wyoming Fossil Sites of Interest

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center, in nearby Thermopolis, Wyoming, has over 12,000 square feet of exhibition area and “dig-for-a-day” programs. There are over 200 interpretive displays, dioramas and life-size dinosaur mounts throughout the museum, including approximately 20 full-size mounted skeletons - 10 of which are dinosaurs. Fossils and life-forms from earliest geologic time periods are displayed in a time-perspective. See their website at Wyodino for additional information.

Warfield Fossils

The “Green River Formation” is famous for its abundance of fossil fish. These beautifully preserved Eocene Age (40-60 million years old) fossils are on display at the Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer, Wyoming. Rick and Tanya of Warfield Fossils invite you to participate in a fossil safari where you can dig and collect your own fossil fish in their private quarry near Thayne, Wyoming. See their website at FossilSafari.com for additional information.

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Last Modified: 12-9-2009

(except for images and text as noted)

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