Wyoming · parks, monuments, refuges
Wyoming parks, monuments and refuges: can you collect?
Wyoming's National Park Service units include some of the most famous geology in the country. None allows collecting under 36 CFR 2.1, which prohibits possessing, removing or disturbing minerals, fossils, cultural items and other natural features. Refuges and Reclamation land have their own no-removal rules.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone's laws page lists removing or possessing natural or cultural resources, such as wildflowers, antlers, rocks and arrowheads, as prohibited. Its rules also prohibit hauling minerals into or through the park without the superintendent's written authorization. Park: 307-344-7381.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton's laws page says picking wildflowers, historic objects, archaeological artifacts or natural features, or collecting items such as antlers, is prohibited. Park: 307-739-3300.
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower's laws page says it is illegal to remove rocks, flowers, plants, artifacts or wildlife. Monument: 307-204-6428.
Fossil Butte National Monument
The NPS says “Collecting fossils or other natural or cultural items is prohibited.” Entrance is free. The NPS also says some commercial fossil quarries on state and private land outside the monument let visitors dig for a fee; those terms are set by the operators. Wyoming's state fossil is the fossil fish Knightia (W.S. 8-3-112). Monument: (307) 877-4455.
Bighorn Canyon and Fort Laramie
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (307-548-5406) and Fort Laramie National Historic Site (307-837-2221) are NPS units, so 36 CFR 2.1 applies there too.
Wildlife refuges and Reclamation land
- Refuges such as Seedskadee, Cokeville Meadows, the National Elk Refuge and Pathfinder: 50 CFR 27.61 prohibits “the unauthorized removal of any public property including natural objects.” Seedskadee and Cokeville Meadows: (307) 875-2187; National Elk Refuge: 307-201-5409.
- Reclamation land around many reservoirs: 43 CFR 423.29 prohibits removing, searching for or disturbing natural resources, including minerals and fossils, except as authorized. Some reservoirs are run by other agencies, so posted rules can differ. Verify.
Entrance fees and passes are paid to the agencies, separately. Check each park's fee page before you go.
Compare: Idaho parks and monuments · Oregon parks and monuments · Nevada parks and monuments · Arizona monuments and parks.
Sources: 36 CFR 2.1; NPS, Wyoming; NPS, Yellowstone laws and policies; NPS, Grand Teton compendium; NPS, Devils Tower laws and policies; NPS, Fossil Butte FAQ; NPS, Fossil Butte fees; W.S. 8-3-109 and 8-3-112; 50 CFR 27.61; USFWS, Seedskadee NWR; 43 CFR 423.
Informational only — not legal advice. Rules, boundaries and seasons change. Confirm with the managing agency for the exact parcel before you collect. Last verified November 9, 2026.