Jacksboro Lost Creek Field Trip

Field Trip Name

Jacksboro

Lost Creek Dam

Trip Date and Time

Saturday, March 14^th, 2026

Starts 9:00 AM

Ends at noon

Registration Date and Time

Starts Monday, March 9^th at Noon through March 13

Registration is on www.dallaspaleo.org under Upcoming Events

 Field trip questions: fieldtrips@dallaspaleo.org

Trip Leader name and contact info

Bob Williams *Day of only* 940-736-5598

Nearest local city

Jacksboro, TX

Purpose of the trip

Collecting fossils (See list of fossils below) or download the pictures of the fossils which can be found in this downloadable file Jacksboro fossil identification-1.pdf

Are signups required

Yes (www.dallaspaleo.org)

DPS Membership required (Y/N)

No

Age recommendation?

All ages

Difficulty/hazards

We will walk 3/4 mile to the site and climb over or through a pipe gate. Most of the collecting will be on a gentle slope, close to the ground, possibly requiring use of hands and knees. Other hazards may include outdoor exposure, cacti, insects, snakes, and wild mammals.

Attendance Limit

None

Meeting location

1180 Lost Creek Rd. Jacksboro, TX 76458

GPS: 33.2462N 98.11898W

When you park, please do not block access to the gates at the end of the road and leave plenty of room for vehicles on the roadway.

You will need to obtain a day pass online or at the Ft. Richardson State Park office located at:

228 State Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458. The fee is $4 per adult. State Park passholders get in free but must still obtain a day pass from the office.

You must tape the pass to your windshield when you park.

Geological formations to be visited

The fossils are from the Carboniferous period, Pennsylvanian Sub-period. The fauna is exceptionally diverse. It is geologically the Finis Shale below and Jacksboro Limestone above, both part of the Graham Formation.

Fossils to be found

Brachiopods, bivalves, bryozoans, corals, sponges, cephalopods, gastropods, crinoids and many others. Some limited shark teeth and trilobites have also been found there. Fossil identification can be found at TXPN.org

Tools and things you may want to bring

Most fossils are fairly small, so a baggy or any small container is fine for transport. The matrix is mostly loose shale so something like an old screwdriver is all you need to extract them. Some collectors like to use knee pads for comfort. Bring drinks and snacks as needed.