Trip Idea
Half-Day Trip to John Day Fossil Beds

Duration | Half Day |
Topic(s) | Scenic Views, Fossils and Paleontology, Geology, Schools and Education |
Activities | Front-Country Hiking, Museum Exhibits |
Type | Kid Friendly, Active, Relaxed, Solitary/Remote, Educational, Outdoors more » |
Parks | John Day Fossil Beds National Monument |
-
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Trail of Fossils
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Clarno Unit
- Duration: 10–35 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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.
View Details -
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Clarno Arch Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Clarno Unit
- Duration: 15–45 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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.
View Details
-
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Painted Hills Overlook Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Painted Hills Unit
- Duration: 5–30 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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.
View Details -
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Painted Cove Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Painted Hills Unit
- Duration: 10–30 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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.
View Details -
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Carroll Rim Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Painted Hills Unit
- Duration: 30–60 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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.
View Details
-
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Fossil Gallery
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Museum Exhibits
- Pets: No
- Location: Thomas Condon Visitor Center
- Duration: 10–60 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day
-
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Island in Time Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Sheep Rock Unit
- Duration: 20–60 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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
View Details -
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Story in Stone Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Sheep Rock Unit
- Duration: 15–30 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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.
View Details -
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Thomas Condon Overlook Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Sheep Rock Unit
- Duration: 5–20 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
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.
View Details
Tags
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
- john day fossil beds national monument
Last updated: December 10, 2022