Big Dig Site

Big Dig Site is a distinct mapped destination within Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument; navigate to this point instead of the general park pin and check posted conditions on arrival.

There are two principal entries: Durango Drive at Moccasin Road and Aliante Parkway at Moonlight Falls Avenue. These are modest trailhead areas rather than a staffed national-park entrance station.

Open during daylight only year-round. Alamo Road and other limited vehicle routes follow separate closure rules; do not remain after dark. Big Dig Site may keep shorter, seasonal, staffed, reserved, heat-dependent or daylight-only hours; verify its current status before relying on parent hours.

There are no visitor-center buildings, restrooms, shade structures or water-refill stations inside the monument. Use facilities before arrival and carry all needed water.

National monument access and signed trails are free. The adjacent Nevada Ice Age Fossils State Park visitor center charges its own $3 day-use admission and does not accept federal passes.

The Aliante and Durango loops use compacted desert soil and loose gravel with relatively gentle average grades but steeper short sections. There is not yet a fully developed federal visitor complex.

Leashed dogs up to six feet are allowed on designated trails. Pack out waste and protect pets from heat, sharp rock and wildlife.

The NPS audio tours and Junior Ranger material add essential context because exposed fossils are hard to identify. Children should never dig, collect or climb fragile badland formations.

Big Dig Site is a distinct mapped destination within Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument; navigate to this point instead of the general park pin and check posted conditions on arrival. This is a minimally developed desert monument with no water, shade or toilets. Fossils, rocks, plants and artifacts may not be collected; visit the adjacent state museum if seeing prepared fossil exhibits is the main goal.

Urban roads approach both trailheads, but heat and limited facilities make a private vehicle the safer default. Confirm the exact endpoint rather than searching only the monument name.