This 4,300-acre monument preserves one of North America’s richest fossil sites, containing over 200 species from 3.5 million years ago including the complete skeleton of the Hagerman Horse, Idaho’s state fossil. The visitor center displays impressive fossil exhibits and offers guided tours during peak season. The Oregon Trail passed directly through this area, and you can still see wagon ruts carved into the bluffs overlooking the Snake River.
Access is via US-30 with a well-maintained visitor center and several short hiking trails. The fossil beds themselves are closed to protect ongoing research, but the overlook trails provide stunning views of the Snake River canyon. Best visited spring through fall when the visitor center maintains regular hours.
World's richest Pliocene fossil beds and Hagerman Horse site
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | 199 North State Street, Hagerman, Idaho 83332 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Hagerman, Idaho |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Full |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | March-November |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |