Half-Day Trip to John Day Fossil Beds

The Trail of Fossils is 0.25 mi (0.4 km) long and is the best trail in the monument to see real fossils. Look for leaf imprints and pieces of wood within the boulders that have fallen from the cliffs. No collecting is allowed and please stay on trail.

This 0.5 mi (0.8 km) trail climbs almost 200 ft (60 m) in height to the base of the Palisades to a view of an arch above. No collecting is permitted.

The Painted Hills Overlook Trail is 0.5 mile (0.8 km) roundtrip. This fairly level trail follows an old road and offers further distinctive views of the Painted Hills. Walking on the hills is strictly prohibited.

The Painted Cove Trail is 0.25 mi (0.4 km) roundtrip. The Painted Cove is an amazing color palette of vibrant rocks. A portion of this trail features a level boardwalk to cross over sensitive soils. Please stay on the designated trail.

The Carroll Rim Trail is 1.6 miles (2.6 km) roundtrip. The trail climbs over 400 ft (120 m) of elevation to a panorama view of the Painted Hills.

Fossil gallery

This 1.3 mi (2.1 km) trail follows the canyon floor and ascends 200 ft (60 m) in elevation through blue-green badlands. Exhibits and fossil replicas along the trail tell the story of the fossil landscape.  Dog owners please note: There are over a dozen metal bridges on this trail. All have rough footplates that many dogs refused to cross. You may need to carry your dogs across the bridges. No collecting is allowed and off-trail hiking is strictly prohibited. Please stay on

The mostly level Story in Stone Trail loops through dramatic pillars of blue-green claystone rocks that make up the Turtle Cove formation of John Day Fossil Beds. Before the trail intersection, the walkway is paved for 900 ft (275 m). Please stay on trail, no collecting permitted, and keep your pets leashed.

This 0.25 mi (0.4 km) long trail starts at the far end of the Thomas Condon Visitor Center parking lot and ends at an overlook of the river valley.