Fossil Rim is open year-round, rain or shine, everyday EXCEPT Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Typically, we recommend coming in the morning for the best chance to view our animals. This being said, the weather is a big factor in what animals are out and about, so keep in mind that chilly mornings or hot afternoons may affect your ability to see certain species. No matter what time of day you visit, you will get to see animals, but you're never guaranteed to see all of them.

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.

We are still charging per person. That means admission for the 7.2-mile Gosdin Scenic Drive is $29.95 for guests age 12 and up, $24.95 for guests age 3-11, and guests below age three will be free. Note: No Refunds.

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. 

Guests who booked a self-guided drive will receive one free cone of feed per 5 people at our check-in station when their ticket is scanned. On a guided tour, each guest will be given one free cup of feed by their Environmental Engagement Guide. Extra feed cannot be purchased. 

Cash payments can be processed at our Admissions Building, but we highly encourage buying tickets online to reserve a time slot for your visit. We cannot guarantee tickets will be available if you choose to wait until arrival for purchase.

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.

Most late arrivals can be accommodated for self-guided drives. Guided tours require guests to arrive on time. If you have pre-purchased your ticket, please call 254-897-2960 or email info@fossilrim.org. 

Fossil Rim has a limit on vehicle lengths, including buses and RVs. If you are unsure, please contact us before your visit to see if your vehicle is compliant.

 Jeeps must have solid doors, though tops are not required. Convertibles and other topless vehicles are allowed. 

Guests may ride in a truck bed as long as at least one adult is included and all guests can fit in the cab if needed.

Trailers are not allowed in the park. Please email info@fossilrim.org for information on leaving your trailer in our parking lot. 

No pets are allowed in the park under any circumstance. Pets also cannot be left in another vehicle while you complete your drive. If you have an ADA-compliant service animal, please contact us before your visit so that we can ensure your visit goes smoothly. 

During cold temperatures, inclement weather, or when the ground is too wet, our giraffes will be kept in their yard. If they are in the yard they will still be viewable, but cannot be fed. Occasionally, freezing weather may require them to be kept in the barn off view. This is done for the safety of our animals, and we apologize for any inconvenience. 

We cannot guarantee that you will see them all. 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. The Jim Jackson Intensive Management Area (IMA) is only visited on the Behind-The-Scenes Tour.

All of the animals you will see on your drive are wild. They are not used to human touch and doing so can be dangerous to both you and the animal. Our staff goes through years of training in order to interact with any species. 

There are three types of animals at Fossil Rim: those who were born here, native species that choose to live here, and those that come from other vetted zoological facilities or our partner institutions. 

Fossil Rim is not a wildlife rehabilitation facility and we do not accept animal donations of any kind. Please contact your local game warden, extension agent, or veterinarian for information on caring for any rescued or injured animals, as well as animals in need of rehoming. 

Yes, visit our LEARN page to see what programs are offered through our Environmental Engagement department.

No mask are required at this time.

Fossil Rim does not offer discounts of any kind at this time. 

Fossil Rim does not offer specific party packages, but if you are interested in hosting an event here please email info@fossilrim.org.

No ticket is required to visit the Overlook. 

Our lodge is now reopened, and has been newly renovated as of September 1, 2023. Learn more on our lodging page.  

While handheld personal filming and photography equipment is allowed, drones are prohibited in the park.