Thing to Do

Stand at the Hagerman fossil beds

gravel trail leading up small but steep hill to the Snake River overlook parking

Two overlooks are established on the park grounds, located in Twin Falls County across the Snake River from the Visitor Center and the town of Hagerman in Gooding County. There is a 3 mile trail that connects the two overlooks but at the present time the trail has no signs or displays (or shade!). Exhibits at each overlook discuss the human and scientific history of the grounds and discoveries made. There are NO fossils on display in the field. There is no quarry or "dig site" and off-trail use is not permitted due to safety concerns. GPS units typically drop visitors onto the grounds leading to massive confusion, the park visitor center is 8 miles away in the Town of Hagerman, not on the park grounds.
Details
From a quick stop and stroll to the Snake River Overlook platform, to a longer saunter including around the short trails at the Oregon Trail Overlook, you decide how much time to spend. High desert conditions mean high temperatures in the summer and wind in the spring and fall. The trail between overlooks is 3 miles long and steep in many areas, please plan that option carefully and prepare for changing conditions.
There are 5 informational signs at each of the two overlooks. They will encourage you to examine the scientific and human history of the park. The experience is best capped with a stop at the park visitor center in Hagerman, including a viewing of the park film.
Children need to be under close supervision due to the possibility of snakes and other wildlife. Soils are loose and staying on trails is required for safety.
Pets on leash are permitted on paved trails only. Pets are not permitted on the trail between the two overlooks.
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
A different location from the park visitor center, the largely undeveloped Monument grounds has two overlooks to see. There is no quarry or 'dig site' to tour and no fossils on display in the field. You may NOT collect or gather any rocks, fossils, plants, or animals in the park. This is, however, where many GPS guides send visitors. You can see where the fossils come from, but you won't see fossils in the field.
Reservations
No
High desert conditions are always challenging. The Monument grounds are known for high heat in the summer and winds in the spring and fall. 
Park grounds are closed to the public from Dusk to Dawn. There is no camping on park property.
Accessibility Information
The Snake River Overlook is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The Oregon Trail Overlook has a few areas fully accessible, some trails accessible with assistance due to the crushed gravel surface, and some trails not accessible due to gradient or maintenance problems. Service animals are permitted, caution is suggested due to rattlesnakes and other natural hazzards.

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Last updated: August 5, 2020