Jurassic Junction
A Bone to Pick with HistoryHidden within the Morrison Formation, the Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is a massive 150-million-year-old "dinosaur graveyard." It is one of the largest bonebeds in North America, where giants like Diplodocus and Allosaurus still rest in the stone.
A paleontological playground from the distant past.
Visit the Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry
The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is a sprawling ten-acre site that represents a prehistoric "logjam" of dinosaur remains. Millions of years ago, an ancient braided river channel acted as a catch-all for the bodies of dinosaurs that died nearby, depositing them in a single, massive cluster. Today, this "megasite" preserves the bones of at least 15 individual animals across 8 different species, offering an incredible look at an intact Jurassic ecosystem.
Unlike many protected sites where fossils are removed and hidden away, this quarry remains an active research and excavation site managed by the Burpee Museum of Natural History. During the summer field season, visitors can watch paleontologists at work, painstakingly revealing massive sauropod femurs and predator vertebrae using air scribes and hand tools. It is a raw, hands-on look at the science of discovery in a landscape of Technicolor badlands.
Unearthing the Giants
Step into the dust of an active Jurassic excavation.
The quarry is an educational resource that offers more than just skeletons; it's a window into the climate and environment of 150 million years ago.
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Expert-Led Science: Tours typically run in May and June, lasting about 30–45 minutes. They cover the geology of the site, the types of dinosaurs found, and the techniques used to extract them.
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Self-Guided Wandering: Even outside of tour weeks, the area is open for public exploration. While you might not find a femur without a trained eye, the vibrant "Technicolor" desert landscape is worth the drive alone.
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Fossil Respect: Remember that this is an active research site protected by federal law. Observe and photograph, but never touch, move, or remove any fossils or petrified wood.
Logistics
Know Before
You Go
The site is open for day use year-round, but free guided tours are seasonally limited to May and June. Located about 10 miles northwest of Hanksville at the end of Cow Dung Road, the journey takes about 20–30 minutes from the highway. There is no water, shade, or cell service on-site, so come prepared with everything you need.
Weather
High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for the gravel and dirt of Cow Dung Road. Do not attempt the road if it is wet.
Quick Reference Guide
Essential Planning Tools
Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry FAQ
The quarry is a massive 150-million-year-old "dinosaur graveyard" within the Morrison Formation. Visitors can see the remains of at least 15 individual animals across 8 species, including giants like Diplodocus, Allosaurus, and Mymoorapelta. During active excavation seasons, you can watch paleontologists uncover fossils still embedded in the stone.
Free guided tours led by Burpee Museum of Natural History experts typically run during the summer field season in May and June. Tours last approximately 30–45 minutes and cover the site's geology and excavation techniques.
The site is located about 10 miles northwest of Hanksville. You will travel down Cow Dung Road, a journey that takes roughly 20–30 minutes.
Road Conditions: The road is generally a good dirt/gravel road, but it is unmaintained, bumpy, and subject to washouts. High clearance recommended.
Yes, the area is open for self-guided exploration year-round. While the active "bonebed" is best viewed with experts, the surrounding "Technicolor" badlands offer incredible photography opportunities and petrified wood fragments scattered throughout the sandstone.
No. The quarry is a remote research site. There is no water, no shade, and no cell service available on-site. Visitors must come fully prepared with sun protection, plenty of water, and offline maps.
During Tour Season (May & June): Portable toilets are typically available near the excavation site for visitors and crew.
The Rest of the Year: There are no restrooms available. The quarry is primitive BLM land with no permanent facilities.
No. This is an active research site protected by federal law. You are encouraged to observe and photograph your discoveries, but it is strictly prohibited to touch, move, or remove any fossils or petrified wood from the area.
If you spot a fossil or piece of petrified wood, please admire and photograph it! Because the Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is an active research site, it is vital that specimens are not touched or moved. Your discovery helps keep the "Jurassic graveyard" intact for everyone to experience.
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