Como Bluff One, Nail Quarry 2025

Home of the famous “Bone Wars” in the 1880s, South-Central Wyoming’s Como Bluff has produced many well-preserved specimens from the Morrison Formation. Most of these were collected by men working for O.C. Marsh between 1877 and 1889 as well as the Hubbel brothers under E.D. Cope between 1879 and 1880.

The Nail Quarry is on private ranchland and Anita Colin along with J.P. Cavigelli are the quarry managers. Hundreds of bones have been excavated from this site; primarily remains of “classic” Jurassic dinosaurs such as Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Stegosaurus. All fossils are for scientific research and go to the Tate Museum in Casper, Wyoming, where they are prepped and studied by J.P. Cavigelli and his team.

This field opportunity is ideal for those with little or no experience working in a dinosaur quarry. Some tools are provided; however, people are encouraged to bring their own tools. There are jobs for everyone from learning to identify and excavate fossils to hauling matrix out of the dig site.

About 1/2 mile from the quarry is a marine exposure called the Sundance Formation where participants can collect and keep fossils such as belemnites, ammonites and other invertebrates of the ancient seas.

Directions will be provided, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended, for driving into the quarry. Folks who do not have a high-clearance vehicle can arrange to carpool with other participants or can park (and camp) at the top of the hill and walk the rest of the way into camp. People can camp at the quarry or stay in motels in Rock River or Medicine Bow for around $100 per night.

WIPS registration is $10 per person, and the additional cost of the trip is $50 per person, per weekend. Checks need to be made out to the Tate Geological Museum for this additional cost.