One Park, Three UnitsJohn Day Fossil Beds National Monument is comprised of more than 14,000 acres within three separate units located in eastern Oregon: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno. The three units of the monument hold some of the best fossil bearing locations within the larger John Day Fossil Beds, which cover most of eastern Oregon. You will find no dinosaurs here; this area was underwater during that time. The John Day Fossil Beds preserve plant and animal fossils from most of the Age of Mammals and Flowering Plants, covering a time period from 44 million years ago until 7 million years ago. With such a vast span of time covered in one place, this area provides unparalleled insight into how the world as we know it came to be. Important Things to Know Before Your VisitPublic collecting or digging for fossils is never allowed in the monument.Cell Service and Internet AccessAll three locations of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are within a rural area of the state. There is no cell phone service or internet access within the monument, with the exception of public wifi at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center and Painted Hills Picnic Area. Most of the local communities do have cell coverage, but your coverage will vary depending on your carrier. Mitchell has limited cellular service, and there is a functioning pay phone across the road from the general store. Travel TimesDue to winding roads, actual travel times are longer than those estimated by most mapping programs and GPS units. Visitors should expect to average no more than 45 miles per hour anywhere in the region. The road to the Clarno Unit (Highway 218) is particularly curvy, expect to drive 35 miles per hour while along it. GasGas can be found in some of the small towns around the monument:
Gas stations in rural communities often close overnight. It is recommended to fill up with fuel before leaving major highways or urban areas if you will be traveling later than 7:00 pm in summer or 6:00 pm in winter. Eating and Sleeping
There is nowhere to eat or stay the night inside the park. Find out where restaurants, lodging, and camping can be found nearby. Frequently Asked Questions
Find out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about John Day Fossil Beds. Fossils of the John Day Region
Discover what has been unearthed and how Oregon has changed, right from where you already are. Sheep Rock Unit
Home to the Thomas Condon Visitor Center and the Cant Ranch Museum, the Sheep Rock Unit also has many trails and scenic views. Clarno Unit
The Clarno Unit has the oldest exposed layers of the park, and the only unit with fossils along the trail. Remember, no collecting fossils. Painted Hills Unit
The colorful stripes and gentle ripples of the Painted Hills makes it one of the most popular destinations in the park. |
Last updated: September 24, 2024