The Painted Hills on a stormy winter day.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
National Monument · OR
Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil they discover.
Park report
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPark Phones are Down
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesNo Water Available at the Clarno Unit
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good2 visitor centers
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available6 activities
Park Name
InfoJohn Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Designation
InfoNational Monument
State(s)
InfoOR
Phone
Info5419872333
joda_interpretation@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoAll outdoor recreation opportunities in the park are open daily, including all overlooks and hiking trails at the park’s three units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Thomas Condon Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Visitor Center: Historic Cant Ranch Museum
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoScience, Technology and Innovation, Fossils and Paleontology, Geology + 3 more
Weather Info
InfoWeather conditions at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are highly variable in this semi-arid desert landscape. Summer highs can climb into the 110's. Winters tend to be fairly mild, with occassi
Getting There
InfoJohn Day Fossil Beds encompasses 14,000 acres in three geographically separated units in Oregon: Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit. The Sheep Rock Unit is located between the towns
Location
Info44.6257° N, -119.8811° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website