Whether it's a hike into the colorful fossil beds of Blue Basin, a tour of the James Cant Ranch Historic District, or an exploration of eastern Oregon's starry night skies, a ranger led program is sure to enhance your John Day Fossil Beds experience! 

Scheduled ranger-led activities at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument have ended for 2011. Our formal summer program schedule (listed below) will resume in May 2012.

• Plaza Talk- 10am & 2pm Daily
  Join a park ranger on the plaza of the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center for a 20 minute programintroducing to the wonders of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
  
• Blue Basin Hike - 10:30am, Fridays through Sundays
  Explore the fascinating Blue Basin area with a park ranger on this 90 minute guided hike on the half mile "Island in Time Trail." This ranger-led hike begins at the Blue Basin trailhead in the Sheep Rock Unit.
  
• Cant Ranch Walk - 1pm Daily
  Join a park ranger on the porch of the historic James Cant Ranch House 
  for a 45 minute walking tour of this historic sheep ranch from the early 20th century. This tour features elements of early 20th century ranch life and eastern Oregon cultural history.
  
• Evening with a Ranger - 7pm, Saturdays
  Join a national park ranger at Clyde Holiday State Park, just outside of Mount Vernon, OR, on Saturday evenings for a special talk on the mysteries that have been revealed in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
  
• Dark Skies - Call for details and times
  Join a "dark ranger" for a two-hour exploration of the night sky over the Painted Hills Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. These evening programs may include a sky tour and observational session with a powerful telescope, or a hike under the light of a brilliant full moon. Participants should dress warmly for the outdoors. Binoculars and a flashlight (preferably red light) are recommended. Meets at the Painted Hills Overlook within the Painted Hills Unit near Mitchell, Oregon. These special programs will occur on alternate Friday evenings throughout the summer. Program dates and times will be announced here and through our Twitter and Facebook pages. Or you can call (541) 987-2333 for more details.

All Ranger led programs are free, and unless otherwise stated, do not require reservations. As programs are subject to change, you are encouraged to call for the most updated program information.