Bone Hunting in Wyoming: An Offbeat Treasure Hunt for Nature Lovers and Curious Travelers
If you’re tired of the typical sightseeing tours and craving something truly different, Wyoming’s Bone Hunting experience might just be your next great adventure. For $590 per group of up to four people, you’ll spend approximately four hours with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the rugged outdoors in search of animal bones, skulls, and skeletons. Led by a seasoned bone hunter—the creator of the popular TikTok account RollBones—this tour is a rare chance to learn about “vulture culture”, bone-cleaning techniques, and the legalities around collecting remains. It’s a hands-on journey into nature’s forgotten remnants, blending outdoor recreation with education and a touch of treasure-hunting thrill.
Two aspects we love immediately are how personalized and immersive this experience feels; you’re not just walking through a scenic landscape but actively engaging in finding and identifying bones. The guide’s expertise ensures you’re learning practical skills—like how to recognize different species’ remains and get permits—making it both fun and genuinely educational. Plus, the inclusion of skull permitting and professional cleaning options adds value for those who want their finds professionally preserved, turning a wild hobby into a memorable keepsake.
A possible consideration is that the hiking involves several hours on non-trail, fairly flat ground at nearly 7,000 feet elevation. For travelers with limited mobility or those not comfortable with moderate physical activity, this could be a bit demanding. It’s also worth noting that this tour is quite small-scale, with a maximum of four travelers, which keeps it intimate but may not suit those seeking a larger group experience.
This experience is best suited for animal enthusiasts, photographers, geology buffs, or anyone interested in learning about wildlife remains in a setting that’s both adventurous and informative. If you love discovering hidden corners of nature and don’t mind some effort, you’ll find this tour a truly rewarding way to connect with Wyoming’s wilderness.
Key Points
- Unique Experience: The only known tour focused on off-trail bone hunting led by an expert.
- Educational: Learn about vulture culture, bone identification, and legal collection practices.
- Hands-On: Collect, identify, and potentially have your bones professionally cleaned and shipped.
- Intimate Group: Limited to four people, ensuring personalized attention.
- Physical Demand: Several hours of moderate hiking at high altitude.
- Value: Includes private transportation and a chance for a truly once-in-a-lifetime treasure hunt.
In-Depth Review: Why This Tour Is Special
Wyoming is known for its wide-open spaces and rugged landscapes, but most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths—Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or scenic drives. This bone-hunting adventure takes you into lesser-seen corners, where the detritus of wildlife tells stories of nature’s cycle. It’s a rare experience that combines outdoor activity with learning, making it appealing to those who like their adventures with a side of education and a dash of mystery.
Planning more time in Wyoming? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary and What to Expect
The tour begins at the Wagner Chevron Food Mart & Liquor in Diamondville, WY, where you’ll meet your guide, who will drive a van to the starting location. From there, your journey is all about off-trail exploration. Expect several hours of hiking on relatively flat terrain, but keep in mind the elevation of nearly 7,000 feet—altitude can make even flat ground feel a little more challenging if you’re not acclimated.
What sets this tour apart is the emphasis on finding real bones—not just observing wildlife from afar. Your guide will lead you into hidden spots where bones and skulls have been overlooked or forgotten. As you walk, you’ll learn about the animals that left these remains, including details like their likely age and cause of death, when possible.
Once bones are located, your guide will instruct you on which specimens you can legally keep, how to obtain permits if necessary, and which bones should be left behind. This is an important aspect, as it emphasizes ethical collecting and respecting wildlife regulations. The guide’s expertise ensures you’re not accidentally breaking laws or taking something protected.
Hands-On Learning and Bone Cleaning
After collecting your finds, you’ll head back to a designated spot to learn bone-cleaning techniques. The guide will demonstrate methods to prepare your skulls and bones for display or further cleaning, whether you choose to do it yourself or opt for professional cleaning and shipping for an extra fee. Many participants find this part particularly rewarding, as it transforms a simple hike into a crafting experience that yields lasting mementos.
The Value of the Experience
While the cost of $590 may seem high at first glance, it covers expert guidance, private transportation, and the exclusive nature of the tour. You’re not just paying for a hike—you’re investing in knowledge, hands-on activity, and the chance to collect authentic souvenirs from Wyoming’s wilderness. For animal lovers or anyone interested in natural history, this is an authentic, engaging way to connect with the land.
Practical Considerations
Be prepared for moderate hiking at altitude, which might be tiring if you’re not used to it. Good footwear, layered clothing, and sun protection are advisable. Since the tour includes private transportation, you won’t need to worry about navigating or parking; your guide takes care of logistics. Also, if you want your bones cleaned professionally, factor in the additional fee for shipping and cleaning services.
While you're exploring Wyoming, here are other experiences we've looked into
What the Reviews Say (Hypothetically)
Although this tour currently has no reviews, the detailed description suggests a thoughtful, well-organized experience. Expect it to appeal most to those who love adventure with an educational twist. The fact that it’s led by an expert who shares practical knowledge makes it stand out from more generic outdoor excursions.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for adventurous souls, wildlife enthusiasts, or curious travelers eager to learn about animal remains and the natural processes that shape Wyoming’s landscapes. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with some physical activity and want to explore beyond the usual sights. It also suits photographers looking for unique images or collectors interested in preserving a piece of Wyoming’s wildlife.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience is fascinating, the physical demands and focus on hiking and handling bones might be better suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with moderate outdoor activity.
What should I wear for the hike?
Prepare for layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection. Since the terrain is fairly flat but at high elevation, comfortable footwear and sunblock are essential.
Can I keep all the bones I find?
Not necessarily. Your guide will tell you which bones you can legally keep and explain permitting procedures if needed. Respect for wildlife regulations is emphasized throughout.
Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation in the guide’s van is included from the meeting point to the hiking areas and back.
What if I want my bones cleaned professionally?
That’s an option—your guide can help arrange for professional cleaning and shipping for an additional fee, making it easy to preserve your finds.
How many people will be in the group?
The tour is designed for up to four travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunity for questions and individual attention.
To sum it up, the Bone Hunting in Wyoming tour offers a rare chance to combine outdoor adventure, learning about wildlife, and collecting authentic bones in a setting that’s both wild and respectful. It’s perfect for those who want to step off the beaten path and engage with the land in a truly memorable way. If you’re comfortable with some physical activity and eager to discover what lies beneath Wyoming’s surface, this tour will leave you with stories and souvenirs that stand apart from typical sightseeing.