Painted Hills and Clarno Trails National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

John Day Fossil Beds www.nps.gov/joda

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Bridge

Creek

Painted CoveTrail

Leaf HillTrail

Carroll RimTrail

Painted HillsOverlook Trail

To and Mitchell, OR

Red Scar Knoll (Red Hill) Trail

Picnic Area

Drinking water available May - September

Road ends at a locked gate one milewest of the unit boundary

Bridge Creek/Burnt Ranch Road

To Burnt Ranch, Twickenham Cutoff Rd, River Launches, Access to Priest Hole and Burnt Ranch Campgrounds (BLM)

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Carroll Rim Trail [1.6 mile round trip]This trail climbs to a panoramic overlook of the Painted Hills and a view east toward the Sutton Mountain Wilderness Study Area. The trail has over 400 feet of elevation gain. There is a small parking area at the trailhead. More parking is available at the Painted Hills Overlook.

Leaf Hill Trail [1/4 mile loop]The Leaf Hill area has been the site of extensive paleontological research. No fossils can be seen today along the trail, but an interpretive exhibit shows examples of a few leaves that have been found there.

Painted Hills

Red Scar Knoll Trail [1/4 mile round trip]The newest trail at the Painted Hills, this trail is mostly level and ends at a knoll made of bright yellow and red clay. This trail is also known as the ‘Red Hill’ trail.

Painted Hills Overlook Trail [1/2 mile round trip]Follow this trail along a ridge for another view of the Painted Hills. There is 100 feet of elevation gain on this trail.

Painted Cove Trail [1/4 mile loop]The Painted Cove area is full of vibrantly colored rocks. A portion of the trail includes a level boardwalk.

Protect the Painted Hills - Please stay on trails - Walking on clay hills is prohibited

North

Arch Trail [1/2 mile round trip]This rough trail climbs steeply to the base of the Palisades. Two fossilized logs form a T about 40 feet above the trail. A delicate stone arch is found at the trail’s end.

Trail of Fossils [1/4 mile loop]This rough trail climbs steeply through a boulder field. It is the best trail to see leaf and wood fossils exposed naturally in the monument. Look for the fossils on the fallen rocks along the trail.

Geologic Time Trail [1/2 mile round trip]This trail starts at the picnic area and provides a fantastic view up toward the rocky spires of the Palisades. The trail connects to the Trail of Fossils and Arch Trail.

The colorful landscapes of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument showcase 40 million years of Oregon history. Evidence of volcanic activity, environmental changes, and ancient plant and animal life abounds. The monument offers many opportunities at each unit to explore these dramatic landscapes. Trails are open all year but may be muddy and slippery when wet. Parking is available for cars, RVs, and buses at all trailheads. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on trails and on a leash at all times.

Please remember that all fossils, historic structures, archeological features, rocks, flowers, plants, and animals are protected by law and may not be collected or disturbed.

For the protection of fossils under the surface, walking on exposed fossil beds is prohibited. This includes badland-like surfaces that have few to no plants growing on them. Please let a ranger know if you see anyone digging for or removing fossils.

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Geologic Time Trail

Trail of Fossils

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Palisades Picnic Area

Drinking water available May - September Pine Creek

John

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HancockField Station

(private)

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North

P A L I S A D E S

Trail Area

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North

To Madras, OR

To Fossil, OR

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This publication was funded by visitor donations. Revised 2015

Palisades Picnic Area

Clarno Palisades

GeologicTime Trail

Trail ofFossils

ArchTrail Fossil Logs Arch

To PalisadesPicnic Area& Trailhead

Just around the corner200 yards

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Clarno Unit

Please help protect these paleontological resources - Stay on trails - No rock climbing