ADVENTURE #12

The famous Fossil Mountain is perhaps the most diverse and concentrated site of fossil accumulation in the world. It’s an excellent place to find various shells and invertebrate fossils embedded in shale rock. The site is named for the many marine invertebrate fossil specimens found in its walls, such as trilobites, brachiopods, cephalopods, crinoids, and more. The fossil density of the area can be attributed to tectonic plate movement that forced sediment upwards. Rockhounds will appreciate the early Ordovician-era fossil-bearing rock from six rock formations dating back 485 to 470 million years: 

• House Limestone
• Fillmore Formation
• Wah Wah Limestone
• Juab Limestone
• Kanosh Shale
• Lehman Limestone

The 6,729-foot peak we now know is part of Millard County’s King Top Wilderness.

As you head out, be aware that Delta is the closest place to get services to the northeast and Milford to the southeast. Do not travel to the area in wet conditions. Here’s what to expect:

Amenities: While there are some primitive campsites along the road, there are no services, bathrooms, or water on federal land — so come prepared with everything you need for the day.

What to bring: Without services available, you’ll need plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, and some extra fuel in case of emergencies. If you plan to collect fossils, bring some extraction tools and something to carry them out. Service can be spotty, so bring a paper map or download a digital map to your phone.

Accessibility: We recommend taking a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle with good tires and a spare or a flat repair kit, as the roads leading up can be difficult to navigate without them. You can park farther away from the site and walk, but be prepared for uneven ground and loose rocks, which may be difficult for those with disabilities.

Where to look: Previous rockhounds report more, better quality fossils higher up the mountain. You can also use Utah Rockhounder, a new interactive map online with a map of local rocks, fossils, and minerals containing site descriptions, photos, and location coordinates to make your trip easier.

Precautions: Before you go, check out the rules for collecting on public land so you abide by local regulations. Visit this area only when the ground is dry to avoid getting your vehicle stuck in the mud.

Crystal Peak roads are made of gravel and dirt, so take caution driving up to the mountain. Take an AWD or four-wheel drive vehicle, and avoid traveling up in bad weather conditions. Do not travel to this area when the ground is wet.

Amenities: Crystal Peak does not have paved parking or facilities, so come prepared with what you need for the day. There is some primitive camping north of the peak on its east side.

What to bring: As with any trip to the desert, bring sunscreen, water for the day for each person, food, extra fuel, and good shoes. If you want to take home fossils or quartz you find, make sure you have the tools to extract them and something to take them home in. There may also be some photo ops, so bring a camera or make sure your phone is charged!

Hiking: Those who enjoy adventure can scale the mountain, a fifth-class scramble, if they feel so inclined. Just be forewarned that there is some light climbing involved, and the rock can be crumbly in places. The excursion takes approximately one or two hours for a two-mile round trip.