U-Dig Fossils
Utah
elrathia kingii trilobitesasaphiscus trilobitesperonopsis trilobitesbrachiopods
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal
U-Dig Fossils
This private quarry works the Cambrian Wheeler Shale in the House Range west of Delta — the operators call it one of the richest trilobite formations in the world — where Elrathia kingii is abundant enough that a good hour of splitting shale yields a pocketful. You rent time rather than buy specimens, and everything you split out is yours. It is about 52 miles west of Delta on Highway 6/50 with the last stretch on gravel, so top off fuel and water in town.
The card catalog
| What you can find | elrathia kingii trilobites, asaphiscus trilobites, peronopsis trilobites, brachiopods |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee, seasonal |
| Fees | Per-person rates by length of stay — two hours, four hours or the full day — but the operator does not publish prices on its rates page; book online or call (435) 864-3638. Youth 6 and under dig free with a paying adult. A 15% discount applies to Utah residents with a valid driver's license, active military, veterans and seniors 70+, and the discounts cannot be combined. Special rates for academic and scouting groups on request. |
| Season & hours | 2026 season runs March 30 through October 24, Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays and closed on the 4th of July. Pre-season dates March 20-21 and March 27-28; post-season Fridays and Saturdays on October 30, November 7 and November 14. Gate opens at 9 am and closes by 6 pm; evening diggers must arrive by 3:45 pm to be out by close. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Probably the single best fossil day for grade-schoolers in the Great Basin, and nearly everyone finds something. Youth 16 and under cannot enter the quarry without one paying adult accompanying them, and shale splitting means eye protection and gloves. |
| Official source | U-Dig Fossils (operator) |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does U-Dig Fossils cost?
Per-person rates by length of stay — two hours, four hours or the full day — but the operator does not publish prices on its rates page; book online or call (435) 864-3638. Youth 6 and under dig free with a paying adult. A 15% discount applies to Utah residents with a valid driver's license, active military, veterans and seniors 70+, and the discounts cannot be combined. Special rates for academic and scouting groups on request. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is U-Dig Fossils open?
2026 season runs March 30 through October 24, Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays and closed on the 4th of July. Pre-season dates March 20-21 and March 27-28; post-season Fridays and Saturdays on October 30, November 7 and November 14. Gate opens at 9 am and closes by 6 pm; evening diggers must arrive by 3:45 pm to be out by close. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is U-Dig Fossils good for kids?
Yes — U-Dig Fossils works for families. Probably the single best fossil day for grade-schoolers in the Great Basin, and nearly everyone finds something. Youth 16 and under cannot enter the quarry without one paying adult accompanying them, and shale splitting means eye protection and gloves.