S side of US 287: Fossil Hunting in Ellis County, Texas

Updated June 2026

S side of US 287 is a mapped rockhounding spot in Ellis County, Texas. Reported finds include fossil leaf prints. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Ellis County
State: Texas
Nearest road: US 287
Postcode: 76065
Coordinates: 32.44340, -96.92260

Geology at S side of US 287

This spot sits on Austin Chalk, mapped as marlstone and chalk that formed roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Limestone like this typically forms in ancient seas, so marine fossils such as brachiopods, corals, and crinoids tend to weather out of fresh exposures.

Mapped unit: Austin Chalk
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: marlstone and chalk
Elevation: 620 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit S side of US 287

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 95°F in midsummer and 57°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 34°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WAXAHACHIE station (5 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Bureau of Economic Geology — Texas geology
Big Bend National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at S side of US 287

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Fossil Leaf Prints

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of S side of US 287.

S side of US 287 FAQ

Where is S side of US 287?+

S side of US 287 is in Ellis County, Texas, at 32.44340, -96.92260. Nearest road: US 287.

What rocks and minerals can you find at S side of US 287?+

S side of US 287 is reported to produce Fossil Leaf Prints.

Is collecting allowed at S side of US 287?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to S side of US 287?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit S side of US 287?+

The most comfortable months at S side of US 287 are September to June. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to S side of US 287?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 32.44340, -96.92260 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 287.

More rockhounding in Texas

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Open S side of US 287 on the map

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