John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Colorful rock formations at John Day Fossil Beds preserve a world class record of plant and animal evolution, changing climate, and past ecosystems that span over 40 million years. Exhibits and a working lab at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center, as well as scenic drives and hikes at all three units, allow visitors to explore the prehistoric past of Oregon and see science in action.
John 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 of Dayville and Kimberly. The Painted Hills Unit is located 9 miles northwest of of the town of Mitchell. The Clarno Unit is located on Highway 218 twenty miles west of the town of Fossil.
- Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Geology
- River and Riparian
- Trails
- Unique Species
Sheep Rock
Sheep Rock, with the John Day River in the foreground
Painted Hills
The Painted Hills on a stormy winter day.
Clarno
The Clarno Palisades are remains of ancient volcanic mudslides.
Paleontologist at work
The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is both a visitor center and research center.
Historic James Cant Ranch Homestead
Cant Ranch house