Como Ridge: Fossil Hunting in Carbon County, Wyoming

Updated June 2026

Como Ridge is a mapped rockhounding spot in Carbon County, Wyoming. Reported finds include petrified dinosaur bone. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Carbon County
State: Wyoming
Coordinates: 41.87524, -106.07463

Geology at Como Ridge

This spot sits on Mowry and Thermopolis Shales, mapped as shale that formed roughly 145 to 100 million years ago. Sedimentary layers like these are where fossils are typically preserved, and fresh exposures after rain or in active cuts tend to produce best.

Mapped unit: Mowry and Thermopolis Shales
Age: 145–100 Ma (Early Cretaceous)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 6,900 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 Como Ridge

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 9°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MEDICINE BOW station (7 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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

BLM Wyoming
Wyoming State Geological Survey
Fossil Butte National Monument
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Como Ridge

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

Petrified Dinosaur Bone

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Como Ridge.

Across the state line from Como Ridge

Como Ridge is close enough to the Wyoming border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Diamond PeakLarimer County, Colorado · 67 mi awayDiamond

Como Ridge FAQ

Where is Como Ridge?+

Como Ridge is in Carbon County, Wyoming, at 41.87524, -106.07463.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Como Ridge?+

Como Ridge is reported to produce Petrified Dinosaur Bone.

Is collecting allowed at Como Ridge?+

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 Como Ridge?+

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 Como Ridge?+

The most comfortable months at Como Ridge are April to October.

How do I get to Como Ridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.87524, -106.07463 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Wyoming

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Open Como Ridge on the map

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