Spanish Fork Canyon Shell Fossils

By Rocky Halladay
 

I came upon these fossils looking for ancient bird tracks in the rocks. There are thousands and thousands of these shells and clams in a small location. It is fun to look for a shell or a clam that is in perfect condition. During the hunting season make sure that you wear an orange hat or shirt while gathering fossils. There are many hunters around this area, and believe me, they are not hunting for fossils.

This location is approximately 83 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Directions from Salt Lake City:

1. Take I15 all the way to the Price-Manti exit (highway 6).

"Ancient Clam"

2. After exiting the freeway set your mileage at the second stop light to “0" ( McDonalds is to your left of this stoplight).

3. When you hit 30 miles watch for a rest stop.

4. The rest stop is to your right at 30.6 miles. Turn into the rest stop.

5. Stay to your right and stay on the main road, it will curve to your left just past the parking lot and restrooms.

6. When you see the big blue dumpster on your left set your mileage to “0" once more.

7. You will then travel up a dirt road (cars can travel well on dry roads) when you have traveled exactly one mile to your right you will see a place where the mountain slopes in on both sides and makes a big crevice. You will see chunky shell rock toward the back of this crevice. This is where the fossils are.

Barely drive past this location and park to your left well of the road.