This easy 3-mile round-trip trail winds through the striking blue-green badlands of the Sheep Rock Unit, following an interpretive path that explains the area’s rich fossil history. The trail climbs gradually through barren hills colored by ancient volcanic ash, offering views of cathedral-like rock formations and the John Day River valley below. Several fossil replicas are embedded in the trail, showing what paleontologists have discovered in these 28-million-year-old deposits.
The trailhead is well-marked with a gravel parking area that can handle any vehicle. No water or facilities at the trailhead, but the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is just a few miles away with restrooms and exhibits. Best hiked in cooler months as the exposed badlands can be brutally hot in summer with zero shade.
Fossil-rich badlands trail through blue-green hills
Place Details
| Type | Trailhead |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Fossil, Oregon |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |