U-Dig Fossils Visitor Experiences at U-DIG Fossils Return to Home

May 2005 by James and Vickie

Truly amazing.  I had never been rock hounding before and was a bit hesitant about driving so far just to try it out.  But after I looked through this website and read the other experiences I figured I had to try it.  I got there about when it opened trying to beat most of the heat.  I came well prepared with a thin, long sleeved shirt, a hat, jeans, and good boots.  The heat didnt seem to bother me much all day.  This was not the case for most everyone else out there who obviously hadn't seen this site because some were in shorts and tank tops.  Needless to say they were roasted at days end. 

I paid my money and off me and the guide went.  First he showed me the bad rocks which not to waste time with.  Then when he picked up the first good rock, guess what, there it was a trilobite inside.  What a way to get my enthusiasm up quick.  I watched this happen throughout the day as he would show new visitors the process and bingo.  It seemed like had x-ray vision to see the trilobites inside these rocks.  I didnt much stay in one spot for more than an hour if it wasnt very productive.  There are so many spots to choose from.  I ended up with quite a few different trilobites in all sizes from 1/8 to 2 some being complete along with some leaf and fern fossils which I kept as well. 

There are Porta Johns if you are in need of facilities, but don't expect anything else.  The drive can be a bit dangerous as someone I noticed found out.  Keep your speed down on the gravel road or accidents will happen.  Remember, you are 50 miles from anywhere and nobody drives down these roads for a long time.  My cell phone also didnt work anywhere in this area.

I will probably be back again next year.  This time with my family and also willing to stay longer out there.  The time goes by so fast.  Your not going to get rich but you will have a lot of fun.