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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

A visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is like taking a journey into ancient Oregon. Whether you tour the museum at Sheep Rock, hike a trail at the Painted Hills, or picnic at Clarno, Oregon's exciting past will be revealed.

The Basics

Hours:

Park trails, overlooks, and picnic areas are open seven days a week during daylight hours.

The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, located at the Sheep Rock Unit, is open daily, 9:00-4:00, year round; From March 1- October 31, open until 5:00 PM; From Memorial day through Labor day, open until 5:30 PM.

The museum is Closed on all Federal holidays between Thanksgiving and Presidents day.

The James Cant Ranch House is open Monday Through Thursday, 9:00-4:00, and on Fridays and weekends by appointment.

Closed on all Federal holidays between Thanksgiving and Presidents day.

Address:

32651 Highway 19
Kimberly, OR 97848

Phone:

541-987-2333

Phone:

541-462-3961

Fax:

541-987-2336

Map

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon Map

Directions

The Visitor Center at the Sheep Rock Unit is located on Highway 19 between the towns of Dayville and Kimberly, 2 miles from the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 19.

The Painted Hills Unit is located 9 miles northwest of of the town of Mitchell, just off Highway 26. There is no visitor center at this unit.

The Clarno Unit is located 20 miles west of the town of Fossil. along Highway 218. There is no visitor center at this unit.

Climate

The climate at the monument tends to be hot and dry in the summer months with temperatures exceeding 100° F at times. Winters are cold, averaging 25° F each day, with occasional snow and rain.

Link to our Bend Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Columbia River Gorge Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Weather coverage for more information.

Fees

Donations accepted.

Reservations

Reservations requested for groups.

Things To Do

Whether you; hike a trail, explore the fossil museum, picnic on the Cant Ranch lawn, visit with a park ranger, take a scenic drive, or do all of the above, you are bound to find out why a visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument can be such and enriching experience.

Indoor Activities

An 18 minute orientation film is available upon request at the Thomas Condon Paleontology center.

Fossil museum talks and tours of the Cant Ranch house are scheduled on the weekends during the summer months.

Nearby Attractions

National Park Service paleontology sites

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Badlands National Park
Dinosaur National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Petrified Forest National Park

Link to our Bend Attractions coverage for more information.

Link to our Columbia River Gorge Attractions coverage for more information.

Link to our John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Attractions coverage for more information.

Places To Go

There are many natural areas both inside and outside the monument boundaries that offer beautiful scenery and places to hike, drive or bicycle.

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