John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
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John Day Fossil Beds at a glance
- Best time
- April–May, September–October
- Trip length
- 2–3 days
- Don't miss
- Thomas Condon Overlook Trail
- Nearby city
- Kimberly, OR
Explore this park
About John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
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.
Weather Information
Weather 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.
- Winter
tend to be fairly mild, with occassional snow and ice and lows occasionally dipping into the single digits.
Operating Hours
Outdoor Recreation Areas
All 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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Common questions
Planning John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for John Day Fossil Beds. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
