John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Blue Basin Overlook Trail

The Blue Basin Overlook Trail is a 3.25 mi (5.2 km) trail that climbs 760 ft (230 m) in elevation to an overlook of Blue Basin. This trail provides breathtaking views down into steep canyons and grand vistas of the John Day River valley. It starts both at the Blue Basin parking lot and also connects along the Island in Time Trail. No collecting is permitted and off-trail hiking is strictly prohibited. Please stay on trail.

Carroll Rim 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.

Clarno Arch 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.

Flood of Fire Trail

Mostly easy with several stair steps, this 0.5 mi (0.8 km) long trail ends at a dramatic cliff face and a view of colorful geologic formations and fiery floods of basalt across the valley.

Fossil Gallery

Fossil gallery

Geologic Time Trail

Travel in time between the past and present on this 0.5 mi (0.8 km) path connecting the Trail of Fossils and the picnic area. No collecting is permitted.

Island in Time Trail

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

John Day Fossil Beds Junior Ranger Program

Become a John Day Fossil Beds Junior Ranger

Layers of Life: Stories of Ancient Oregon

Layers of Life: Stories of Ancient Oregon

Leaf Hill Trail

This trail is 0.25 mi (0.4 km) roundtrip. Leaf Hill has been extensively excavated and studied by paleontologists. Signs explain more of its history. No collecting is permitted. Please stay on trail.

Mascall Formation Overlook

This 430 ft (131 m) roundtrip trail leads to a scenic view of the Mascall Formation, Picture Gorge, and John Day Valley.

Painted Cove Trail

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.

Painted Hills Overlook Trail

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.

Red Scar Knoll Trail

This mostly level trail is 0.25 mi (0.4 km) long and leads to a hill of bright yellow and red clays; called Red Hill Trail on road signs. Walking on the exposed soils is strictly prohibited. Please stay on trail.

River Trail

Starting at the Cant Ranch parking lot, this 0.6 mi (1 km) long trail passes through historic fields and alongside a historic fruit orchard on its way to the John Day River. Fruit may be collected from the orchard when in season, but please do not climb the trees since the branches are old and brittle.

Sheep Rock Overlook Trail

Starting at the front gate of the historic Cant home, this 0.5 mi (0.8 km) trail ends at an overlook with a view of the river valley with Sheep Rock high above.

Story in Stone Trail

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.

Thomas Condon Overlook Trail

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.

Trail of Fossils

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.