we're ready for you
Fossil Rim is OPEN!
Our plans are to remain open going forward. We will keep you informed in case that ever changes.
What Is Different Now?
Please note that in order to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for our guests, our staff, and our animals, there are several important changes to our normal admissions and operating procedures.
Tickets
Tickets to Fossil Rim (including self-drive tours) must be purchased online prior to arriving at the facility. Note: No Refunds.
When purchasing tickets, you will choose your desired day and one-hour arrival window. Your ticket will be valid for that day and arrival window only. You may arrive anytime during your scheduled arrival window and take as long as you like within Fossil Rim.
PLEASE USE ANY WEB BROWSER OTHER THAN INTERNET EXPLORER TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS - IT WILL NOT WORK. ALSO, WHEN LOGGING IN TO RESERVE TICKETS, YOU SHOULD NOT USE AN iPHONE OR OTHER APPLE PRODUCTS FOR OPTIMAL FUNCTIONALITY.
IN ORDER TO BE SURE YOU RECEIVE YOUR TICKETS, WHEN BOOKING WE RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT USE MSN, iCLOUD, OR A HOTMAIL EMAIL ADDRESS.
Restroom Info
Porta-Potties are available in parking lots at the Front Gate area and Overlook. There are two wheelchair accessible Porta-Potties at the entrance and one at the halfway point. Indoor restrooms are open again, as well.
Face Coverings On Guided Tours
Face coverings remain mandatory on a Public Guided Tour and a Behind-The-Scenes Guided Tour, as you will be on a tour vehicle with other groups of people. They are not required on a Private Guided Tour.
FAQs
Will I be able to see all of the animals in the species ID guide?
The animals in Jim Jackson Intensive Management Area can be visited on a Behind-The-Scenes Guided Tour, plus the four main pastures are open. Of course, we cannot guarantee that you will see all species. The animals are free to roam across their pastures as they please. Keep in mind that when temperatures drop below 50 degrees, both the giraffes and rhinos could be put up in their barns for their own protection.
What are your hours?
We are open every day at 8:30 a.m., last vehicle in by 4:30 p.m., and last vehicle out by 6:30 p.m.
How long does it typically take to drive through the park?
It takes approximately two hours. The busier we are that day, the longer it will take. You can get out of your vehicle roughly halfway through at the Overlook to stretch and use the restroom. The paved route has two lanes and you can pull over on the right side whenever you want to stop at watch certain animals for a while. The Behind-The-Scenes Guided Tour lasts about three hours.
Do guests pay by car or by person?
We are still charging per person. That means admission for the 7.2-mile Gosdin Scenic Drive is $24.95 for guests age 12 and up, $19.95 for guests age 3-11, and guests below age three will be free. Note: No Refunds.
Are discounts or refunds available?
Not at this time.
How can I purchase an admission ticket?
To gain admission to Fossil Rim, you must purchase tickets in advance online.
Go to fossilrim.org and click the TICKETS button at the top. All guests will need to select the day of their visit and a window of time in which they will arrive. The eight time windows are: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. / 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. / 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. / 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. / 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. / 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
PLEASE USE ANY WEB BROWSER OTHER THAN INTERNET EXPLORER TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS - IT WILL NOT WORK.
Do you accept cash payments for admission?
No, because you must buy tickets online.
Why am I asked to select my time of arrival?
We are trying to prevent long lines of vehicles and lines at the restrooms, so we are spreading out the visitors over the course of each day.
Can I reserve a guided tour?
Yes. Go to this page for all the details and to make reservations: https://fossilrim.org/tickets-guided/.
Are education programs available?
Yes, the education department has returned with new programs. To check out what is currently available and to reserve, go to this page: https://fossilrim.org/education/.
What is your PPE (mask) policy?
Face coverings are mandatory if you go on a Public Guided Tour or a Behind-The-Scenes Guided Tour.
Will I be able to use the restroom?
There will be Porta-Potties at the Front Gate area and at the Overlook area. Indoor restrooms are also available.
How do I present my prepurchased admission ticket once I arrive at Fossil Rim?
Pull into the entrance for the Gosdin Scenic Drive at the far right of the parking lot. You will either show your ticket on your smartphone that arrived via a confirmation email, or you will need to have printed the ticket out at home and bring the paper copy. We will check to make sure your ticket matches the amount of people in the vehicle. You will receive your animal feed, Species ID Guide, and the road rules after your ticket is scanned. Note: No Refunds.
What can I buy once I’m at Fossil Rim?
You cannot buy anything at the Front Gate area. However, once you get to the Overlook - roughly halfway through the Gosdin Scenic Drive, you can buy food and drinks at the Overlook Cafe, as well as get souvenirs at the Nature Store.
What can I do at the Overlook area?
You can use the Porta-Potties and the handwashing station, or walk around in the parking lot to stretch your legs. You can also visit the Children's Animal Center, the Overlook Cafe, and the Nature Store.
Can I go to the Overlook Cafe?
Yes. We are sanitizing several times a day. The Overlook area cannot be accessed without going through the park (except on weekdays), so you can only go to the cafe during the middle of your visit.
Can I go to the Nature Store?
Yes. We do have Porta-Potties available at the Overlook that are sanitized on a regular basis, plus indoor restrooms. The Overlook area cannot be accessed without going through the park (except on weekdays), so you can only go to the store during the middle of your visit.
Are the animals safe?
Yes, but it is important to remember to throw the pelleted feed onto the ground. Do not hand-feed or pet the animals.
As a member, can I still get two bags of feed?
No, our animal health staff is limiting every vehicle to one cup of feed. However, that one cup is currently free for all visitors.
Can I bring my dog or other pet?
No.
Can I see the giraffe calves or cheetah cubs?
The giraffe calves may potentially be close to the road in the Game Preserve, but keep in mind it is 266 acres and they could be anywhere. When cheetah cubs are moved beside the tour route, we will announce on social media.
What if I need help when I’m in the park?
If you have car trouble or something of that nature, you can flag down one of our staff members. Please fill up your gas tank when you are picking up your food and beverages before arriving at Fossil Rim.
Can I drive my Jeep / motorcycle / RV through Fossil Rim?
Vehicles with “soft doors,” “tube doors,” or doors removed, such as Jeeps, will not be allowed to enter the park. It’s a safety issue. It is okay to take the top off of your Jeep to visit Fossil Rim. You can't take your motorcycle through Fossil Rim, but you can book a guided tour. RVs at a length of 30 feet or less will be permitted to drive through Fossil Rim.