Waco Mammoth National Monument
Trailie
Build your Waco Mammoth itinerary
Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Waco Mammoth National Monument plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Waco Mammoth at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Camel Trail
- Nearby city
- Gateway towns in TX
Explore this park
About Waco Mammoth National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of ice age Columbian mammoths.
Weather Information
The monument enjoys a sunny, mild climate during three seasons of the year.
- Spring
Temperatures range from 45 F to 85 F (7 C/29 C).
- Summer
Temperatures range from 70 F to 95 F (21 C/35 C).
- Fall
Temperatures range from 45 F to 85 F (7 C/29 C).
- Winter
Temperatures range from 35 F to 65 F (2 C/18 C).
Rain is common in April and May. Temperatures can exceed 100 F (38 C) in July and August. Lightweight clothing and sunscreen are advisable. Be prepared with plenty of water. Snow and ice are rare.
Operating Hours
Operating hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. A Dig Shelter access fee does apply.
- Monday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Common questions
Planning Waco Mammoth National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Waco Mammoth. Check the Permits tab on this page and Recreation.gov before you travel — campground, tour, or backcountry permits may apply even without park-wide timed entry.
See Permits tab →
