Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Travel | Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Travel | Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

If visiting during the summer, like me, be sure to plan hikes in the morning or late afternoon hours. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument has three great hikes, all out in the open and completely exposed to the sun.

  • The Daemonelix Trail is one mile in length. In addition to seeing spiral burrows up close, you will also see ancient sand dunes and fossil grassland soils.

  • Fossil Hills Trail is the second hiking option in the park at 2.7 miles in length. This paved trail crosses the Niobrara River and its wetlands, mixed-grass prairie, followed by Carnegie Hill and University Hill.

  • A one mile, unpaved side trail to Harold J. Cook's homestead cabin is located off the entrance road.

The visitor center also has a great exhibit worth experiencing, before or after hitting the trails.

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