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Trilobite Collecting At U-DIG FOSSILS
By Rocky Halladay
Photo Of The U-Dig
Fossils Quarry Site
"U-Dig
Fossils" provides you with 40 acres of the very best
trilobite collecting property in the world. It is located about 52
miles west of Delta, Utah. The most common trilobite fossils
found at this location are Elrathia Kingi, Asaphiscus Wheeleri,
Peronopsis Interstricta (Agnostus), and the Brachipod. There are
less common trilobites to be found as well . The size of trilobite
usually found is about an eighth of an inch to 2 inches in length.
Just recently a regular to the quarry found a
rare trilobite named Olenoides Nevadensis, it is worth well over
$2,000.00. Every single fossil that you find is yours
to keep. In a two hour period I found at least 15 whole trilobites
that were just lying on the ground. Most collectors that purchase
trilobite fossils prefer that the trilobites are in the matrix (the
rock itself).
Photo Of My Trilobites
The afternoon that I was at "U-Dig Fossils" we
Utahans were not alone, there were tourists from Japan, Delaware,
and a famous opera singer from Chicago collecting that day. He found a "Asaphiscus Wheeleri"
which is a common trilobite but it is a rare find because it is over
2 inches in length. I collected for a little over four hours
in the afternoon and found many trilobites. I wish I had arrived at opening
and collected the entire day, it was a blast! The saying, "Time flies
when you are having fun" definitely applied for me while I
looked for trilobites at the
quarry.
"Asaphiscus Wheeleri"
The people running U-Dig are very helpful and so friendly. They
can answer any questions you may have and help you on your way to find
fossils. I highly recommend going to U-Dig Fossils, it is worth the
drive. Adults will have just as much fun as kids! The minute you
arrive you will see trilobites and or pieces of trilobites on the
ground. There are two very clean restrooms (outhouses) located
at the quarry. You will want to bring plenty of food and lots
of water. Make sure you bring safety glasses to wear and gloves to
protect your hands. U-Dig provides you with buckets for your
collections and the use of their rock hammers, or you may bring
your own if you would like.
Picture of
the U-Dig Fossils Office.
Directions:
From Delta, Utah You will need to travel 32 miles west on Highway
6/50. At the Long Ridge Reservoir sign between mile markers 56-57,
turn right. You will see a U-Dig Fossils sign when you start on the
dirt road . Travel 20 more miles down a well-maintained gravel road
to reach the Trilobite Quarry. The quarry will be to your right.
You will see
the signs. Any type vehicle can travel this road.
Contact
Information:
U-Dig
Fossils:
http://www.u-digfossils.com/
350 East 300 South
Delta, Utah 84624
Mailing
address:
P.O. Box 1113
Delta, Utah 84624
email address: udig@xmission.com
IMPORTANT:
If you are traveling home in the dark watch closely for cows in the
road. Especially watch for black cows... they are basically
invisible in the dark.
Nearby Hotel Accommodations
Best Western Motor Inn Delta Utah
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