John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Welcome to the official page for John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon.

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 (in Kimberly Oregon), hike a trail at the Painted Hills (located in Mitchell, Oregon), or picnic at Clarno (located in Fossil, Oregon), Oregon's exciting past will be revealed.

Alert: Water is not available at the Clarno Unit. Please bring plenty of water when visiting John Day Fossil Beds Nation...
08/22/2026

Alert: Water is not available at the Clarno Unit. Please bring plenty of water when visiting John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

NPS photo

We’re open! Evacuation levels have dropped and it’s now safe for visitors and staff to re-enter the park. Extreme fire ...
08/07/2026

We’re open! Evacuation levels have dropped and it’s now safe for visitors and staff to re-enter the park.

Extreme fire danger and critically dry fuels persist across the monument and much of central Oregon. Before you hit the road, plan ahead and be prepared for travel impacts due to existing and new large fires.

Now more than ever it’s important for visitors to stay on the trail to preserve and protect priceless geologic and paleontological resources.

Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/joda/learn/news/newsreleases.htm

Photo caption: Before you hit the road to see the iconic landscapes of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, like Cathedral Rock (pictured here), plan ahead and prepare for potential travel impacts due to large fires. NPS photo by Kyle Sullivan.

Fire UpdateJohn Day Fossil Beds National Monument remains closed due to multiple large fires burning in the region. The ...
07/29/2026

Fire Update

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument remains closed due to multiple large fires burning in the region.

The Rowe Creek Complex burned portions of the Painted Hills Unit. The fire burned in a mosaic pattern, with low to moderate severity. Some of the grass at the top of the land forms burned, but the hills themselves are devoid of flammable material. The most significant impacts are at Leaf Hill, where trees and protective fencing along the trail have burned.

The Sheep Rock Unit, including the Thomas Condon Visitor Center and the historic Cant Ranch, remain closed as the area remains in Level 1 Be Prepared and Level 2: Be Set evacuation status from the Shingle Fire.

Firefighters were able to keep fire south of Highway 218 in the Clarno Unit. Structure wrap was used to protect infrastructure at the picnic ground. The unit remains closed due to fire activity in the area.

Fire danger in Central Oregon remains extremely high, and roads into and out of the area may be closed or impacted by fire. Visit Tripcheck.com for current road conditions.
Thank you, firefighters from the Rowe Creek Complex, Hay Creek Complex 2026 and Shingle Fire.

Due to threats from the Shingle Fire which started on July 23 and is currently estimated at approximately 11,140 acres, ...
07/25/2026

Due to threats from the Shingle Fire which started on July 23 and is currently estimated at approximately 11,140 acres, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 2 Evacuation order for the zone that includes the Thomas Condon Visitor Center of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and a Level 3 Evacuation order for the portion of Sheep Rock south of Picture Gorge. An Emergency Closure of the Sheep Rock Unit has been implemented to protect public safety.

Hooray! Park phones are up and running again to take your calls and voicemails!
07/20/2026

Hooray! Park phones are up and running again to take your calls and voicemails!

Fire Alert! The Painted Hills Unit is closed due to the Pat's Cabin Fire. Level-3 Go-Now Evacuation orders have been iss...
07/17/2026

Fire Alert! The Painted Hills Unit is closed due to the Pat's Cabin Fire. Level-3 Go-Now Evacuation orders have been issued for portions of the Painted Hills Unit. Please visit https://tripcheck.com/ for current road conditions and closures. Please avoid the area around the Painted Hills Unit until further notice. Air Quality is also poor in all three units of the park. please check https://fire.airnow.gov/ for current conditions. The Clarno Unit is still closed. The Sheep Rock Unit remains open, and the Thomas Condon Paleontology and Visitor Center will be open for our regular hours.

Fire Alert! The Clarno Unit is closed due to the Cove Creek Fire. Level-3 Go-Now Evacuation orders have been issued for ...
07/17/2026

Fire Alert! The Clarno Unit is closed due to the Cove Creek Fire. Level-3 Go-Now Evacuation orders have been issued for portions of the Clarno Unit. A portion of Highway 218 between Clarno and Fossil is also closed. Please visit https://tripcheck.com/ for current road conditions and closures. Please avoid the area around the Clarno Unit until further notice. Air Quality is also poor in all three units of the park. please check https://fire.airnow.gov/ for current conditions. The Painted Hills and Sheep Rock Units remain open, and the Thomas Condon Paleontology and Visitor Center will be open for our regular hours.

Great news! Repairs to the Blue Basin Overlook Trail have been completed, and the trail is officially open to the public...
06/18/2026

Great news! Repairs to the Blue Basin Overlook Trail have been completed, and the trail is officially open to the public again. Thank you for your patience during the maintenance closure. Come enjoy the views and fresh air!

Exciting news! Join us Thursday at 1:00 PM at Thomas Condon Visitor Center Theater for a talk titled, “Journey into Dog ...
03/31/2026

Exciting news! Join us Thursday at 1:00 PM at Thomas Condon Visitor Center Theater for a talk titled, “Journey into Dog Origins: What an Exceptional Mesocyon Skeleton Reveals.” Discover new insights into the evolutionary history of dogs.

The Thomas Condon Visitor Center is closed today 1/19 for the holiday. It will reopen Thursday 1/22 at 10 am. The ground...
01/19/2026

The Thomas Condon Visitor Center is closed today 1/19 for the holiday. It will reopen Thursday 1/22 at 10 am. The grounds and trails remain open for exploring!

Address

32651 Highway 19
Kimberly, OR
97848

Telephone

+15419872333

Website

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