National Monument · OR
The National Park Service lists 19 things to do at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. 19 have no extra fee, 19 need no reservation, and 16 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
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.
1-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
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.
30-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
15-45 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
15-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Fossil gallery
10-60 Minutes Year-round
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.
10-35 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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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.
20-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Become a John Day Fossil Beds Junior Ranger
20-120 Minutes Year-round
Layers of Life: Stories of Ancient Oregon
20 Minutes Year-round
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.
10-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
This 430 ft (131 m) roundtrip trail leads to a scenic view of the Mascall Formation, Picture Gorge, and John Day Valley.
5-15 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
10-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
5-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
15-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
10-35 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
10-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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).
15-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
5-20 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
10-35 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for John Day Fossil Beds. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
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