The Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From June 5 to September 30, it is open every day during these hours. From October 5 to June 4, it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
There is no entrance fee to visit Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument or its visitor center.
From Twin Falls, take US Highway 30 north to Hagerman, then continue one mile north to the visitor center, nestled amidst ancient fossil beds and historic Oregon Trail ruts.
Parking is limited, with a few spots at the visitor center and more at the Oregon Trail Overlook. No overnight parking, no fees. Suitable for cars and smaller RVs, motorcycles. Avoid church parking lot nearby.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
In the heart of Idaho, where the Snake River carves its path, lies the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, a testament to a bygone era. This 4,351-acre site, straddling Twin Falls and Gooding counties, is an internationally significant fossil deposit from the Pliocene Epoch, dating back 3.07 to 4 million years. The landscape here is a tapestry of bluff tops rising 600 feet above the river, revealing remnants of ancient grassy plains, ponds, and forest stands.
As you traverse the monument, the historic Oregon Trail ruts, still visible today, serve as a poignant reminder of the region’s past. Follow Bell Rapids Road to the Snake River Overlook and the Oregon Trail Overlook, where deeply eroded wagon tracks tell the story of emigrants who once braved this terrain. Hike the three-mile Oregon Trail hiking trail, which winds through terrain that was once a challenge for pioneers.
The monument is most famous for the Hagerman horse, Idaho’s state fossil, discovered in the Smithsonian Horse Quarry. Over 200 species of plants and animals have been unearthed here, including eight found nowhere else. The diversity is staggering, with fossils of saber-toothed cats, mastodons, and ground sloths alongside more familiar creatures like horses, beavers, and birds.
Seasonal changes bring a kaleidoscope of colors: the spring blooms with wildflowers, summer days are warm and ideal for hiking, autumn paints the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, and winter brings a serene quiet. There are no lakes within the monument, but the scenic views of the Snake River offer a tranquil backdrop.
For those seeking more than just fossil history, the nearby town of Hagerman offers a charming blend of local artisans and historical significance. Visit the Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum to delve deeper into the area’s rich past. Local outfitters provide guided tours and hiking excursions, making it easy to immerse yourself in this unique landscape. As the sun sets over the Snake River, the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument stands as a living, breathing archive of Earth’s history, awaiting your exploration.
- Area (mi²)
- 6.8
- Annual visitors
- 23 000
- Established year
- 1988
Top 3 Facts about Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
This site preserves a continuous, undisturbed stratigraphic record spanning at least 500,000 years, offering a unique glimpse into a paleontological ecosystem with various habitats like wetlands, riparian areas, and grasslands.
In this ancient landscape, saber-toothed cats and mastodons once roamed alongside hyena-like dogs and ground sloths. Over 200 species of plants and animals, including antelope, deer, and waterfowl, thrived here during the Pliocene Epoch. Native grasses like wheatgrass, bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass carpet the terrain, while fossils of fish, frogs, and snakes reveal a diverse aquatic life. The bluffs, rising 600 feet above the Snake River, hold secrets of a bygone era, with the iconic Hagerman Horse fossils standing as a testament to this ecosystem’s rich history.
Along the Snake River, steep bluffs carved from Pliocene sediments rise, exposing layers of tan silt and fine-grained sand deposited in ancient Lake Idaho. The river cuts through formations up to 3.7 million years old, with temperatures varying from crisp mornings to warm afternoons, set against a backdrop of basalt-dominated landscapes and siliceous volcanic ash.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a few days for summer visits to avoid heat; park at the lower lot and hike down the Emigrant Trail. Visit the visitor center first, and pack meals as options are limited. Attend the annual Fossil Day event for added insight. Bring sun protection and water.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for variable weather, sturdy hiking boots, and a daypack with water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. For camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and headlamp. Check the season for specific gear needs.
Respect Wildlife
Respect the fragile fossil landscape by staying on designated trails, especially during wet seasons. Avoid touching or removing any fossils or plants to preserve this unique ecosystem. Bring water and sun protection to minimize your impact. Leave nothing behind but footprints.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and fast-moving water, and check weather conditions and fire restrictions. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 208-825-1000. Exercise caution and stay informed to ensure a safe adventure.
Seasons
In spring, as temperatures rise to the 60s and 70s, witness blooming wildflowers and verdant landscapes. Attend the annual Fossil Day in May, featuring ranger talks and interactive exhibits at the new Thousand Springs Visitor Center. Ideal for hiking and scenic overlooks along the Snake River.
Explore Late Pliocene fossils in summer’s warm 80-90°F temperatures. Visit from Memorial Day to Labor Day for scenic overlooks and interpretive signs. No specific summer events, but ideal for outdoor discovery. Mild weather makes it a perfect time to dig into paleontological wonders.
Explore lush autumn landscapes from September to November, with mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) and scenic overlooks along the Snake River. Enjoy ranger talks and fossil exhibits, perfect for a crisp fall day. No specific annual events, but ideal for a serene, nature-immersed visit.
Winter months, from December to March, bring crisp temperatures ranging from 22°F to 40°F. While it can be chilly, the serene landscape and fewer crowds make for a tranquil and unique winter experience. Ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The drive from Boise to Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes, covering a distance of about 97 miles via I-84 East and Highway 30.
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You can bring your dog, but it must be on a leash no longer than six feet and you must pick up after it. Dogs are not allowed in many areas to protect natural resources and ensure safety. Service dogs, however, are permitted everywhere.
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You can’t park your RV directly at the monument, but there are nearby RV parks and campgrounds that can accommodate various sizes of motorhomes, campers, and trailers. Options include Hagerman RV Village with full hookups and pull-through sites, and the Twin Falls/Jerome KOA which can handle RVs up to 80 feet long.
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The top attraction is the Hagerman Horse, one of the world’s oldest horse species, discovered in the 1920s and excavated by Smithsonian paleontologists in the 1930s. This fossil is also Idaho’s state fossil and provides critical insights into the evolution of modern horses. The Horse Quarry, where over 120 horse skulls and 20 complete skeletons were found, is a key site for this attraction.