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How do I Dig for Dinosaur Bones in Phoenix or Tucson?

Arizona is home to many sites for dinosaur and fossil digs. Counties adjacent to Tuscon and Phoenix have multiple sites to choose from. When going on a dig, make sure to wear durable boots and light-fitting clothing and pack a large hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also bring plenty of water with you, as you may be a long distance from natural or man-made water sources.

Things You'll Need

Chisel point rock hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Assemble clothing, supplies and tools. Make sure to calculate the days you will be digging and prepare food and water for the whole time. Also note nearby campsites for showers and facility use.
- 2
  Purchase a map of the area near Tuscon or Phoenix you will be digging. Four digging sites are highlighted in Step 3 and more can be found in the Resources section below.
- 3
  Drive to digging site. If near Phoenix, Yavapi county is home to two fossil digging sites, Black Mesa and Fossil Creek. Black Mesa is north of the Chino Valley in the Section 9 and Township 18 North in Range 2 West in the Paulden Quadrangle. Fossil Creek is on the south side of the Fossil Springs dam, near the Turret Peak Quadrangle.
  
  If digging near Tuscon, travel on I-10 west to Picture Rocks Road exit. At Sandario Road, turn south 1.4 miles to Twin Peaks Road, then take the Twin Peaks Road to the locality. You will find a cement company has recently blasted some of the rock away for good digging. The Colossal Cave Area is also near Tuscon. Take the I-10 freeway east from Tucson and exit at Vail/Wentworth. Turn north and follow the signs until you reach the area, about seven miles.
- 4
  Dig carefully through the earth with your chisel point rock hammer until you find fossils and imprints of dinosaurs, invertebrates or or mammals of the prehistoric era. You can remove these fossils from the sites listed.

Artifacts