Painted Hills, part of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, is located in Oregon, USA. It lies between Mitchell and Fossil and is situated in the High Desert region. It is famous for its colorful layered hills and unique fossil formations.
Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds) Location Map,Mitchell, Oregon
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Top Attractions Inside Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds)
- Painted Hills Overlook – Stunning view of colorful layered hills, showcasing red, yellow, and gold hues.
- Carroll Rim Trail – Short hiking trail offering panoramic views of the painted landscapes.
- Painted Cove Trail – Easy trail through vibrant hills and unique geological formations.
- Visitor Center & Exhibits – Educational displays on geology, fossils, and the region’s natural history.
- Photography & Scenic Spots – Numerous vantage points for capturing the colorful terrain.
- Wildlife Observation – Spot small mammals, birds, and native desert flora in the area.
- Sunrise & Sunset Views – Ideal times to witness the hills’ colors intensifying with changing light.
Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds) Facts
| Official Name | Painted Hills – John Day Fossil Beds National Monument |
| Location | Mitchell, Wheeler County, Oregon, USA — Central Oregon, John Day River Basin |
| Latitude & Longitude | 44.5621° N, 120.3679° W |
| Total Area | Approximately 3,132 acres (≈12.7 km²) for Painted Hills Unit; John Day Fossil Beds National Monument total ~14,000 acres (≈56.7 km²) |
| Established / Opened | January 1, 1975 (as John Day Fossil Beds National Monument) |
| Managed By | United States National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Central Oregon / High Desert / John Day River Basin |
| Address | Painted Hills Unit – 3000 Painted Hills Road, Mitchell, OR 97750, USA |
| Zip Code | 97750 |
| Area Code | 541 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Geological formations, fossil beds, paleontology, layered colored hills, scenic high desert landscapes, hiking & photography |
| Main Sections / Areas | Painted Hills Unit, Sheep Rock Unit, Clarno Unit, Fossil Beds & Paleontological Sites, Hiking Trails, Scenic Overlooks |
| Famous Attractions | Colorful layered hills, fossil discoveries, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, photography opportunities, interpretive exhibits |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 100,000–150,000 visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Free public access (donations encouraged for maintenance) |
| Ticket Price Range | Free; suggested donations welcome |
| Ticket Options | Free hiking and trail access, visitor center exhibits, guided tours (optional, donation-based) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring–Fall for mild weather and optimal colors; early morning or late afternoon for photography |
| Nearby Airport | Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) – ~90 miles (145 km); Bend Municipal Airport (BDN) – ~85 miles (137 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via US-26 and OR-19, hiking trails, limited bicycle access, visitor center parking available |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/joda/planyourvisit/painted-hills-unit.htm |
Distances from Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds) to Nearby Landmarks
- John Day Fossil Beds Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
- Sheep Rock Unit – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Clarno Unit – 50 km (31 mi)
- John Day, OR Downtown – 65 km (40.4 mi)
- Mitchell, OR – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Redmond, OR – 180 km (111.8 mi)
- Bend, OR – 220 km (136.7 mi)
- Fossil, OR – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Bridge Creek – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Blue Basin – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Clarno Palisades – 50 km (31 mi)
- Picture Gorge – 65 km (40.4 mi)
- John Day River – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Ochoco National Forest – 100 km (62.1 mi)
- Wheeler County Courthouse – 70 km (43.5 mi)
- Redmond Municipal Airport – 180 km (111.8 mi)
- Prineville, OR – 120 km (74.6 mi)
- Burns, OR – 250 km (155.3 mi)
- McDermitt, NV – 280 km (174 mi)
- Clarno Unit Overlook – 50 km (31 mi)
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