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Fossil Hunting in Texas

intermediate friendly AmmonitesEchinoids (sea urchins)Dinosaur tracksCretaceous bivalvesMosasaur teeth

Texas is a geologically vast and diverse state with fossil-bearing rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years. While much of the best collecting is on private land, there are excellent public sites and the state’s Cretaceous marine fossils — particularly ammonites and echinoids — are among the most accessible in the country.

Why Texas?

Texas sits on a thick stack of sedimentary rocks deposited over hundreds of millions of years. The most productive collecting comes from Cretaceous-age rocks (~145-66 million years ago), when a shallow sea — the Western Interior Seaway — covered much of what is now Central and North Texas. This sea left behind an incredible record of marine life.

West Texas exposes Permian-age rocks (~300-250 million years ago), and the Gulf Coast has Cenozoic sediments with more recent fossils.

What You’ll Find

Cretaceous marine fossils (~100 million years ago):

  • Ammonites — Coiled cephalopod shells, some exceeding 12 inches in diameter
  • Echinoids — Beautifully preserved sea urchin fossils, including Hemiaster and Holectypus
  • Bivalves and oysters — Exogyra and Gryphaea are extremely common
  • Gastropods — Sea snail shells in limestone
  • Shark teeth — Cretaceous species
  • Mosasaur teeth and bone — Marine reptile remains in Eagle Ford exposures

Pennsylvanian marine fossils (~300 million years ago, at Mineral Wells):

  • Brachiopods, crinoids, bryozoans, and horn corals

Dinosaur tracks (Glen Rose Formation):

  • Theropod and sauropod footprints preserved in Paluxy River limestone

Best Time to Visit

  • Fall and spring: Comfortable temperatures for fieldwork
  • After floods: The Brazos River and other waterways expose fresh material
  • Winter: Cooler temperatures make Central Texas road cut collecting pleasant

Important Notes

Texas fossil collecting is heavily dependent on landowner access. Join a local paleontological society — they organize group trips to private ranches and can connect you with landowners who welcome responsible collectors. The Dallas Paleontological Society and Austin Paleontological Society are particularly active.

Collecting Sites

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Public (Fee)

Glen Rose, Somervell County

World-famous dinosaur trackways preserved in the Paluxy River limestone. You can walk among tracks left by sauropods and theropods ~113 million years ago. Collecting is NOT permitted — observation only — but an incredible experience.

Dinosaur tracks (theropod and sauropod)Cretaceous invertebrates

Mineral Wells Fossil Park

Free Public Access

Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County

A designated public fossil collecting site in the city of Mineral Wells. Pennsylvanian-age marine fossils (~300 million years old) are abundant in exposed shale and limestone. Great for beginners and families.

BrachiopodsCrinoid stemsBryozoansHorn coralsGastropods

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Public (Fee)

Waco, McLennan County

A nursery herd of Columbian mammoths preserved in situ. No collecting, but a remarkable site to visit. The dig shelter lets you see bones as they were found.

Mammoth bones (viewing only)

Whiskey Bridge / Brazos River

Free Public Access

Falls County

Cretaceous exposures along the Brazos River yield excellent ammonites, especially after floods. The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary — the asteroid impact layer — is exposed here.

AmmonitesEchinoidsBivalvesShark teeth

Central Texas Road Cuts

Free Public Access

Various — Williamson, Travis, Bell Counties

Road cuts through Edwards Limestone and other Cretaceous formations across Central Texas expose abundant marine fossils. Echinoids (sea urchins) and ammonites are particularly common. Use caution near traffic.

EchinoidsAmmonitesOystersGastropods

Legal Rules for Texas

Most fossil-rich land in Texas is privately owned. Always get written permission before collecting on private land. Public road cuts and rights-of-way: surface collecting of loose material is generally tolerated but technically varies by jurisdiction. State parks prohibit collecting unless specifically designated (Mineral Wells Fossil Park is an exception). Federal lands in Texas follow PRPA rules. The Brazos River is navigable water — collecting from the riverbed while wading is generally allowed. Texas has a strong tradition of private landowner rights, and many significant fossil discoveries come from private ranches.

Read our full legal guide for federal laws and more details.

Key Geological Formations

  • Glen Rose Formation (Cretaceous)
  • Edwards Limestone (Cretaceous)
  • Walnut Formation (Cretaceous)
  • Eagle Ford Group (Cretaceous)
  • Permian formations (West Texas)

Local Fossil Clubs & Museums