Wheeler Amphitheater Trilobites EarthCache
Wheeler Amphitheater Trilobites
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After a trip out to the area, I thought that it very much needed an earthcache. This cache location is approximate. Trilobites may be found on this hillside, but the requirements may also be filled at other locations in the nearby area.
The Wheeler Amphitheater, also known as Antelope Springs, is a world-famous fossil collecting location for trilobites. Come out, find a few, and log your visit to the earth cache!
Geologic information: Approximately 570-520 million years ago, much of Utah was covered with shallow sea- perfect habitat for trilobites.
The trilobites often weather out of the rock and can be found loose on exposed slopes. The two most common large trilobites are Asaphiscus wheeleri (abt 2 inches) and Elrathia kingi (abt 1.6 inches). The most common smaller trilobites in this area are Peronopsis interstricta and Hypagnostus parvifrons, both about 1/4 inch long.
How to get there: From Delta, travel 32 miles west on Highway 6 / 50. At the Long Ridge Reservoir sign between mile markers 56-57, turn north (right). Then travel roughly 20 miles down a well-maintained gravel road to reach the trilobite area. Any type of vehicle can travel this gravel road.
Where to collect: Trilobites can be found in many of the different layers of shale in Wheeler Amphitheater.
There are three techniques to find trilobites. The easiest is to pay at one of the nearby quarries. They have tools and everything else you may need.
The moderately difficult way is to find where someone has split the shale rocks to search for the hidden trilobites and search from there.
The most difficult technique is to wander along the dry washes until you find an outcrop of rock. At that point, start to dig and split it into layers, being sure to look on both sides for trilobites or imprints.
My experience was that there is great variety in the hardness of the rock. Some shale felt like wet cardboard, while other shale and limestone was very hard. The harder the rock, the more durable the fossil.
The trilobites vary in size from as small as 1/4 inch to 2 inches long. There are several different species, so if you find several, you may notices differences.
Useful maps: Tule Valley 1:100,000- scale topographic map, Marjum Pass 1:24,000-scale topographic map, and a Utah highway map. These maps may be obtained from the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 537-3320 (or 1-888- UTAH-MAP).
Land ownership: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands. Active mining claims exist on some portions of the "trilobite area" so seek permission from the claim owners before collecting. For more information on BLM public lands under claim contact the House Range/Warm Springs BLM field office at (435) 743-3100.
BLM collecting rules: The casual collector may take small amounts of gemstones and rocks from unrestricted federal lands in Utah without obtaining a special permit if collection is for personal, noncommercial purposes. Collection in large quantities or for commercial purposes requires a permit, lease, or license from the BLM.
Tools recommended: a shovel, pick, safety glasses, and splitting hammer. Find the trilobites, then bring them home to clean them up. Lots of great specimens have been ruined by people who were a little too eager to make it look better sooner! Trilobites can also be taken to your local rock shop to help make them suitable for display. Bring plenty of water and remember to bring a spare tire in case of an unforeseen accident. More importantly, be patient and have fun collecting!
All information taken from:
Trilobites.info (visit link)
Utah Geological Survey (visit link)
A Collector's Guide to Rock, Mineral, & Fossil Localities of Utah by James R. Wilson
How to log the cache:
The coordinates are on a slope that trilobites that have weathered out of the rock have been found on. You may log the cache though if you find a trilobite in the vicinity of the Wheeler Amphitheater/Antelope Springs. The cache is to help you find the general area.
1. Email me with a detailed description of the rock you search in. Is it limestone, shale, or mudstone? What color is it? What texture does it have? Is it fine, medium, or coarse grained? How thick is it? How hard is the rock? Is it parallel to the hillside, slanted, or vertical? Make sure you get permission if it looks like the area you are searching might be someone else's claim.
2. In your log include the GPS Coordinates of where you've searched.
3. In your log indicate whether you have searched on public land, a private claim, or pay site. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KEEP ANY TRILOBITES TO LOG THIS CACHE. "Though collecting is allowed and permission granted, the principles of Leave no Trace that is in the Earthcaching program should not require collection."
4. Indicate in your log if you found trilobites and attempt to identify the trilobites you found (link #1 may be helpful).
5. (Optional) Post pictures of you as you search, what you find, or both.
"A Collector's Guide..." will be extremely helpful should you choose to search on your own.
First Finder bragging rights and subsequent "found it" logs are only open to finders who have been in the area and found trilobites after this listing was published!
I will delete any "found it" logs who have not filled the requirement. If you've enjoyed your time in the area and have not met the requirements you may write a note if you would like.
Additional Hints
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Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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