Fruita Paleontological Locality

Location:   Mesa County
Size:   280 acres
Designated:   June 1987
Land Manager:   Bureau of Land Management

Jurassic outcrops, deposited about 140 million years ago, are the most fossil-rich formations within the Grand Valley and are protected within these acres at Fruita.   The quality of preservation, completeness, and abundance of the fossil specimens make the Fruita Paleontological Locality unique.  Some of the oldest mammal fossils found in the Western Hemisphere occur here.  Fossil specimens found at the Fruita site include species of primitive mammals, a new genus of crocodilia, two carnivorous and several herbivorous dinosaurs.

Please be aware that this site contains features of state-wide significance. Collection is prohibited at all times with out proper permits.