Fossils near Vernal, UT
7 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Vernal report fossil. The closest is Woodside, about 97 miles out (2 hr 1 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Map of 7 fossil collecting spots within 150 miles of Vernal, Utah
Closest fossils spots to Vernal
- WoodsideEmery County, Utah97 mi · 2 hr 1 min driveAgate, Carnotite, Chalcedony
- Hills by Colorado RiverGrand County, Utah104 mi · 2 hr 10 min driveAgatized Clams, Agatized Dinosaur Bone, Jasperized Dinosaur Bone
- Thompson SpringsGrand County, Utah110 mi · 2 hr 18 min driveAgate, Agatized Clams, Anhydrite
- Castle DaleEmery County, Utah111 mi · 2 hr 19 min driveAgate, Agatized Dinosaur Bone, Petrified Wood
- San Rafael SwellEmery County, Utah119 mi · 2 hr 28 min driveAgatized Wood, Amethyst, Carnotite
- SE Grand CountyGrand County, Utah125 mi · 2 hr 36 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
Types of fossils reported near Vernal
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agatized Dinosaur Bone2
- Jasperized Dinosaur Bone2
- Petrified Dinosaur Bone2
- Fossils1
- Silicified Dinosaur Bone1
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Vernal
Sorted by distance from Vernal. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WoodsideDinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway | Emery County |
| 39.2016, -110.3346 | Public |
| Hills by Colorado RiverCR 176 | Grand County |
| 38.9688, -109.2623 | Public |
| Thompson SpringsCR 146 | Grand County | 38.8657, -109.7045 | Public | |
| Castle DaleCedar Hollow Trail | Emery County |
| 39.2274, -110.8866 | Public |
| San Rafael Swell | Emery County |
| 38.9221, -110.5309 | Public |
| SE Grand County | Grand County |
| 38.6512, -109.5572 | Permission |
| FairfieldLewiston Road | Utah County | 40.2736, -112.1452 | Public |
Fossils near Vernal FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Vernal?+
7 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Vernal report fossil. The closest is Woodside in Emery County County, roughly 97 miles away (2 hr 1 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Vernal?+
6 of the 7 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Vernal do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 97 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 138 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Vernal
Fossils near other cities
Hunt fossils around Vernal with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
