![]() Today there are several commercial quarries operating in the Wheeler Shale including U-Dig where you can dig your own trilobites. Walcott awarded the areas limestone rocks and clay their title, but long before Walcott, Native Americans in the region regarded the trilobites with respect and appreciation. The Wheeler Shale, a remnant of an ancient embayment where the ocean intruded into Utah, is perched in the strikingly arid and steep terrain of the House Range. Trilobites were tough, dominating, and diverse- yet they did not make it beyond the mass extinction at the end of the Permian (250 mya). Rapid burial and underwater landslides helped to preserve a snapshot of their life on the edge. There must have been a significant food web- which is an ecological conundrum at this time.Įlrathia kingi lived in a sunless world whose primary producers may have used energy sources that still remain a mystery. The size and prolific presence of Elrathia kingii is extraordinary for an inhabitant an exaerobic world. U-Dig Fossils discounts - what to see at Millard County - check out reviews and 10 photos for U-Dig Fossils - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants. Elrathia proves that adaptation to such inhospitable environments had developed as early as the Middle Cambrian (509-497 mya). Trilobites, one of the earliest arthropods, first appeared in the Early Cambrian (521 mya) They are relics of the Cambrian Explosion. ![]() From there, it’s a 20-mile drive on a relatively-smooth gravel road to the quarry.Trilobites being collected in the Wheeler Shale. You’ll also see a sign for U-DIG Fossils at the turnoff. When you reach the sign for Long Ridge Reservoir (between mile markers 56-57), you’ll turn right. From Delta, you’ll stay on Highway 6 for another 32 miles. Once there, take Highway 6 southwest to Delta. To get to U-DIG from Salt Lake City, you’ll follow I-15 south to Nephi. Additional items to bring include safety glasses and weather-appropriate clothing.įor pricing information and the current schedule, visit the website. But if you forget, the quarry staff can hook you up with some tools. It’s recommended that you bring your own hammers and bucket on every trip to the quarry. And if you’re not having any luck, U-DIG employees are usually happy to help you find a fossil-laden vein. Most visitors average 10-20 trilobites during a four-hour stint. While the hunting can be hard work, especially on hot days, you’re likely to have success. Common species found at the quarry include elrathia kingi, asaphiscus wheeleri and peronopsis interstricta. According to the U-DIG website, trilobites are a form of invertebrate marine life from more than 550 million years ago. They’re actually a popular item in gift shops from coast to coast (and U-DIG supplies many of them). If you’ve never heard of a trilobite before, it’s likely that you’ve seen one. ![]() It’s in these seams that you’ll find your prize. The drive out to the U-DIG quarry is long and bumpy, but once you arrive, the process is fairly simple - use a hammer to split the limestone shale, which easily flakes into sheets. Then, while enrolled in an entrepreneurship class at Brigham Young University, Crapo started his business, U-DIG. They quickly realized just how unique the fossil-rich area was, so they acquired a lease. ![]() 85' Fossil Plant (Ailanthus) Samara - Green River Formation, Utah 19 1. Owner Shayne Crapo said that his family has been collecting trilobites in the Antelope Springs area for generations. HERE ARE SOME OTHER SIMILAR FOSSILS FOR SALE. Some very small and some decent sized plates. Review of U-Dig Fossils Reviewed ApYou dig was fun we found lots of good trilobites and sea life. And it’ll be open for several days in March and early April to accommodate families who are looking for an out-of-the-box adventure. U-Dig Fossils 145 Reviews 195 of 1,400 things to do in Utah Nature & Parks, Canyons, Geologic Formations UT 84624 Open today: Closed michaelgH7651GI 1 Awesome time, and great experience. Located about 50 miles west of Delta is U-DIG, a 40-acre quarry that’s loaded with self-serve trilobites. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.ĪNTELOPE SPRINGS - Rather than take the kids to the museum again this spring break, perhaps you should take them on an actual fossil-hunting outing. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. ![]()
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