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Top Highlights for Fossil Picnic Cliffs in Sharktooth Hill
Fossil Picnic Cliffs in Sharktooth Hill
Sharktooth Hill stands out for fossil-picnic-cliffs as one of the world's richest Miocene marine sites, exposing 15-16 million-year-old bonebeds in the Temblor Formation's Round Mountain Silt. These thin layers concentrate shark teeth, rays, marine mammals, and rare land fossils eroded by ancient Temblor Sea currents into lag deposits. Nestled in Sierra Nevada foothills near Bakersfield, it offers surface collecting and screen-washing on eroded bluffs perfect for blending hunts with scenic picnics overlooking fossil-strewn cliffs.
Prime spots include Ernst Quarries' East and Slow Curve areas for shark tooth digs, plus Buena Vista Museum-led paleo outings. Activities center on quarrying silt, sifting for teeth like those of hooked white sharks, and picnicking amid cliffs with sea turtle and fish fossils. Collectors target bonebeds yielding up to hundreds of specimens per cubic yard, similar to East Coast Miocene sites.
Spring and fall deliver best conditions with low rain and comfortable temperatures for digging; summers scorch, winters flood sites. Expect dusty, rugged terrain requiring personal gear; fees range $40-$70 daily. Prepare for early starts, physical labor, and no on-site amenities beyond basic parking.
Local Bakersfield paleontologists and quarry owners like the Ernst family preserve this site through guided access, fostering a community of amateur hunters. Annual events tie into conferences like NAPC, sharing finds with global experts. Respect rules by logging specimens, supporting the site's legacy since 1853 documentation.
How to Do It Right
Hunting Fossils at Sharktooth Hill
Book quarry access weeks ahead via sharktoothhillproperty.com, as East Quarry limits slots and opens seasonally. Arrive at the 7:45am meet point near Bakersfield; confirm current fees starting at $40 for Slow Curve. Time visits for dry weather to avoid slippery silt, and check quarry status by calling 661-319-7080.
Wear sturdy boots and gloves for sharp rocks and dusty screening. Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks since no facilities exist on-site; quarries lack shade. Bring your own screens and buckets, or rent tools; leave collected fossils at the quarry for cleaning and ID by staff.