Ulrich's is a great company to dig with!
I originally went with another more "well known and highly recommended" dig site and was not satisfied with my finds. I stopped by Ulrich's Fossil Gallery and saw the incredible finds that they have and purchased a few pieces to take home. Michael brought me down to the basement where he wrapped up my purchases and I was able to see the things they were working on. It is very awe inspiring and he said they were all found in their quarry. Back at my hotel I hemmed and hawed about where to go digging the next day but ultimately settled with Ulrich's.
The next day, I arrived a little before 9 to find out it will be a 1:1 tour. I was told they would typically have 1 guide per 5-6 people. :) Tyler and his faithful dog Lucas brought me up to their quarry in their jacked up van. Along the way, Tyler pointed out the wildlife in the area. I was glad I wasn't the one driving that steep dirt road and was thankful for the working brakes on the van. At the quarry, Tyler pointed out the different areas that yielded great finds the day before and I started peeling at the layers. There are a lot of fossils above and below the ash layers and also unfortunately to no one's fault, some of those layers are also very fragile and can shatter just by touching it.
This tour was more personal than the other dig site. Tyler worked alongside me and helped me pull slabs out of the earth instead of having predetermined piles to work on. (He did the grunt work, clearing out spots and pulling out slabs for me to whack at.) The fossils here were in much better quality than from the other site. You can see so many of the details in the fishes. I found so many pieces but sadly couldn't take them all. This quarry use to be the bottom of the river while the other site was more shoreline which contributes to the difference in quality. I also got a peek at the famous 18 inch layer where special equipment is needed to dig. That's an adventure for another day.
There was no shortage of fish and others' poop. The quality of the fossils and the actual dig was so incredible, it blew the other dig site out of this world. Do bring water and sunscreen! Don't mind whatever Luke is hunting or playing with. He's an awesome companion that is enjoying his best life. You can stay as long or as short as you want at the quarry. 2-3 hours is more than enough since there are fossils almost everywhere you look compared to the other site. Tyler helped me cut up the fossils to a smaller size. Michael gave me newspaper to wrap them all up and suggested a sealant for the fossils. I had to go to ACE hardware to get more bubble wrap for the flight home. From what I can tell going to 2 different quarries, the other quarries you can go at any time and pay by the hour while with Ulrich, you start out early. It is best to go early so that the sun is not too strong and the wind won't blow you away. Digging in Wyoming, I was both hot and cold at the same time and surprisingly sunburnt without realizing it.
All in all, Ulrich's Fossil Gallery is highly recommended. I am absolutely kicking myself for going to the other site and wish I spent 2 days here instead. The quality of the fossils as well as the individualized attention was outstanding. You do need to call it in if you want to go dig with them since they have small groups. Spread the word on this great place! Don't just focus on price, focus on what you are getting.
** Side tip, don't forget to check what your luggage weight limit is for your flight home. You can also ship your finds home at the local post office. **
Lots of thanks to Michael, Tyler, and Lucas for a great day! read more