John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is comprised of more than 14,000 acres within three separate units located in eastern Oregon: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno. The three units of the monument hold some of the best fossil bearing locations within the larger John Day Fossil Beds, which cover most of eastern Oregon.
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 Paleontology Center as well as scenic drives and hikes at all three units (Clarno, Painted Hills and Sheep Rock) allow visitors to explore the prehistoric past of Oregon and see science in action.
Important Things to Know Before Your Visit
Public collecting or digging for fossils is never allowed in the monument.
Cell Service and Internet Access: All three locations of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are within a rural area of the state. There is no cell phone service or internet access within the monument, with the exception of public WiFi at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center and Painted Hills Picnic Area. Most of the local communities do have cell coverage, but your coverage will vary depending on your carrier. Mitchell has limited cellular service, and there is a functioning pay phone across the road from the general store.
Travel Times: Due to winding roads, actual travel times are longer than those estimated by most mapping programs and GPS units. Visitors should expect to average no more than 45 miles per hour anywhere in the region. The road to the Clarno Unit (Highway 218) is particularly curvy, expect to drive 35 miles per hour while along it.
Gas: Gas can be found in some of the small towns around the monument:
-Dayville (9 miles south of the Thomas Condon Visitor Center in the Sheep Rock Unit),
-Spray (30 miles north of the Thomas Condon Visitor Center in the Sheep Rock Unit),
-Fossil (16 miles northeast of the Clarno Unit)
-Mitchell (9 miles southeast of the Painted Hills Unit).
Gas stations in rural communities often close overnight. It is recommended to fill up with fuel before leaving major highways or urban areas if you will be traveling later than 7:00 pm in summer or 6:00 pm in winter.
