The 3.25 - mile Blue Basin Overlook trail in the Sheep Rock unit is closed until further notice. A mudslide and trail washouts have created unsafe conditions for hiking. The shorter 1.3- mile Island In Time trail remains open.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Oregon
Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil they discover.
About John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a national monument located in Oregon. Weather conditions at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are highly variable in this semi-arid desert landscape. Summer highs can climb into the 110's. Winters tend to be fairly mild, with occassional snow and ice and lows occasionally dipping into the single digits.
John Day Fossil Beds encompasses 14,000 acres in three geographically separated units in Oregon: Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit. The Sheep Rock Unit is located between the towns of Dayville and Kimberly. The Painted Hills Unit is located 9 miles northwest of of the town of Mitchell. The Clarno Unit is located on Highway 218 twenty miles west of the town of Fossil.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to John Day Fossil Beds is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, and 2 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at John Day Fossil Beds
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for John Day Fossil Beds
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of John Day Fossil Beds before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for John Day Fossil Beds. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of John Day Fossil Beds. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil they discover.
Frequently Asked Questions about John Day Fossil Beds
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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