The best walks and hikes in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Yes, leashed pets are welcome on the trails in all three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Please be sure to bring water for your dog, as the climate is very dry, and always clean up after them to protect the park's unique environment.

The monument has several short, easy trails perfect for families. In the Painted Hills Unit, the Painted Hills Overlook loop is a gentle 0.7-mile (1.1 km) walk with fantastic views. In the Clarno Unit, the 0.25-mile Trail of the Fossils is a great choice, as you can see real plant fossils embedded in the rocks right beside the path.

The Painted Hills Unit is the premier destination for vibrant colors. The short Painted Cove Trail features a boardwalk that takes you right up to the intensely red and gold claystone hills. For a wider perspective, the Carroll Rim Trail offers panoramic views of the entire colorful basin.

There are two main trails for experiencing the unique blue-green badlands of the Blue Basin in the Sheep Rock Unit. The Island in Time Trail is a relatively flat 1.3-mile (2.1 km) path that takes you into the basin floor. For a stunning aerial view, the Blue Basin Overlook loop climbs above the formations.

Yes, the Clarno Unit is the best place to see fossils in place. The Trail of the Fossils loop is a short walk where you can easily spot leaf and wood fossils preserved in the boulders along the trail. Remember that collecting fossils within the monument is strictly prohibited.

The climate is dry and exposed with little shade. It's essential to bring more water than you think you'll need. Also, pack sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for all trails, even the shorter ones, as surfaces can be uneven.

The three units—Painted Hills, Sheep Rock, and Clarno—are geographically separate. Driving between them takes time, so plan accordingly. It's about a 1-hour drive from the Sheep Rock Unit to the Painted Hills Unit, and nearly a 2-hour drive from the Sheep Rock Unit to the Clarno Unit. Visiting all three in one day is ambitious.

Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for hiking. Temperatures are moderate, and the spring bloom adds a layer of color to the landscape. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), making hiking difficult. If you visit in summer, plan your hikes for the early morning or late evening.

Most trails in the monument are relatively short and easy to moderate. The longest trail is the Blue Basin Overlook Trail at 3.25 miles (5.2 km). If you're looking for a longer day, you can combine several trails in one unit, such as the Painted Hills Overlook – Painted Cove Boardwalk loop, which covers about 7 miles (11.5 km).

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the otherworldly landscapes, the unique geological colors, and the accessibility of the trails that allow you to get up close to the formations.

No, there is no entrance fee to visit any of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The trails, picnic areas, and the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center are all free to access.

The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center in the Sheep Rock Unit provides maps and current trail conditions. For detailed official information on the trails in each unit before you go, you can visit the National Park Service website for the Sheep Rock and Clarno units.