Fossil Hunting 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.
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Vernal
WoodsideEmery County, Utah · 97 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Carnotite, Chalcedony +4- Hills by Colorado RiverGrand County, Utah · 104 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Clam, Agatized Dinosaur Bone, Jasperized Dinosaur Bone +1
- Thompson SpringsGrand County, Utah · 110 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Agatized Clam, Anhydrite +5
- Castle DaleEmery County, Utah · 111 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Agatized Dinosaur Bone, Petrified Wood
Best spotSan Rafael SwellEmery County, Utah · 119 mi awayPublic access · Agatized Wood, Amethyst, Carnotite +6
SE Grand CountyGrand County, Utah · 125 mi awayPermission required · Agate, Chalcedony, Chert +2- FairfieldUtah County, Utah · 138 mi awayPublic access · Chalcedony, Chert, Limonite +4
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
- Fossil1
- Silicified Dinosaur Bone1
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, 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
Fossil Hunting 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.
