Okay, real talk, I had NO idea you could dig for your own fossils in Utah and actually keep what you find until we discovered U-Dig Fossils in Delta, Utah. And now? It’s one of our absolute favorite hidden gems in the state. If you’re looking for a unique family adventure that’s educational, affordable, and genuinely unforgettable, this is it.
We’re talking about real trilobite fossils, creatures that lived over 500 million years ago, and you get to crack open the rocks yourself and find them. My kids were completely obsessed. Honestly, so was I.
U-Dig Fossils is a trilobite quarry located in the West Desert of Utah, about 50 minutes outside of Delta. The site sits on an ancient ocean bed, because yes, Utah used to be underwater, and it’s absolutely packed with trilobite fossils just waiting to be uncovered. You pay for access to the quarry and then spend your time digging, cracking rocks, and finding fossils that you get to take home with you.
It’s not a museum. There’s no glass case. You are out there in the dirt with a hammer and bucket, and it is SO much fun.
U-Dig Fossils is located in Delta, Utah, in the West Desert. Delta is about 2.5 hours south of Salt Lake City, making this a totally doable day trip from most of Utah. From the town of Delta, you’ll drive about 50 minutes down a long dirt and gravel road to reach the quarry. Don’t let that deter you, the road is accessible by any regular vehicle, so you don’t need a 4WD or anything special.
Pro tip: download your directions before you leave town since cell service gets spotty out there in the desert!
U-Dig Fossils offers a few different time options so you can pick what works best for your family:
Honestly, time flies when you’re out there. We went with a half-day plan and could have easily stayed longer!
Here’s what I love about U-Dig Fossils, they make it so easy for families, even if you’ve never done anything like this before. Here’s what to expect:
Fair question, I had to brush up on my science before we went! Trilobites were marine arthropods (think: ancient relatives of crabs and shrimp) that lived in the ocean between about 520 and 250 million years ago. They’re one of the most well-preserved and abundant fossils in the world, and the Wheeler Shale formation in Utah is one of the best places on earth to find them.
There are actually several different species of trilobites at U-Dig, and the guides are great at helping you identify what you’ve found. It turns a cool activity into a legit science lesson, which is exactly the kind of thing I live for with my kids.
I genuinely cannot say enough good things about this experience for families. Here’s why it checks every box for us:
Here’s a little perk for being part of our Utah Family Travels community, when you visit U-Dig Fossils, just mention us (@utahfamilytravels) when you arrive and you’ll get 20% off your admission! How cool is that?!
It’s their way of saying thanks for the referral, and our way of saying thanks for following along on our adventures. Win-win!
Let me break down all the practical details so your trip is as smooth as possible:
If you’re searching for something truly unique to do with your family in Utah, something that’s off the beaten path, genuinely fun, and creates memories that last, U-Dig Fossils needs to be on your list. It’s one of those experiences that reminds you how incredible this state is and how much there is to discover beyond the national parks.
Have you been to U-Dig Fossils yet? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear about your experience! And if you go, make sure to tag us @utahfamilytravels so we can see your fossil hauls!