Events
Fossil Field Program
Are you fascinated with watching TV programs and online videos of fossil discoveries? Why not join our fossil (paleontology) field program and experience the excitement firsthand. Join museum staff as we explore the beautiful Uinta Basin and Mountains near Vernal Utah for dinosaurs, mammals, plants, insects, and other fossils (depending upon available sites). Participants will work along aside experts in the field of paleontology to collect specimens for the museum.
Who can participate: Anyone 12 years old or over, individuals ages 12-18 needs to be accompanied by a paying adult legal guardian; participants 16 and younger may not use power tools.
Program experiences details: Paleontology program will include, but not limited to, exploring for and collecting fossils (using standard professional techniques) for the museum, under adverse field conditions. Hiking in mountainous or badland terrain, where steep and rocky slopes exist will be part of the program. Bugs, hot temperatures, dusty environments, unpredictable weather and other natural elements will be encountered. Field techniques may include the excavation, collecting, and documentation of fossils. Heavy lifting, use of chisels and hammers, and operation of power tools is part of the excavation process. The application of adhesives and consolidants will occur. Participant may lift heavy objects over 20 lbs using equipment or by hand. Intermittent periods of sitting, bending, or standing may be possible. Participants will leave from and return to the museum each day.
Available Programs
Three-day Beginner Introduction Dig
This introduction to paleontology field work includes tours of the Utah Field House of Natural History museum facilities and Dinosaur National Monument as well as prospecting for new fossils and collecting a dinosaur bone in the Morrison Formation.
Day 1 – Tour Dinosaur National Monument quarry wall, rock art, and Josie’s Cabin; prospecting in the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation near Vernal; tour of the Utah Field House’s exhibits, lab, and collections.
Day 2 – Dig all day in the Morrison Formation near Vernal.
Day 3 – Dig in or explore the Morrison Formation in the Vernal area; maybe maybe cool off in the Green River at a boat ramp (bring your swim suite).
Number of Participant spaces available: 5
Minimum age: 12
Cost: $400/person; includes expert leadership, surveying for new fossil sites, and practical experience in collecting fossils. Equipment used in collecting/preparation will be provided. We accept cash or credit cards, and full payment must be received by 1 week prior to start date.
What Participants must provide: Lodging, meals, transportation (high clearance vehicles recommended) to sites, gas for vehicle, personal items such as work gloves, hiking boots, sunscreen, bug repellent, water containers, sunglasses, hats, coolers, etc.
Date: July 23–25, 2025
How to sign up or questions: Contact the museum at johnfoster@utah.gov or stevesroka@utah.gov or 435-789-3799, 496 E. Main, Vernal Utah 84078.
