Kimberly, Oregon -The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, located in the Sheep Rock Unit of John Day Fossil Beds, hours of operation will expand to 9 am-5 pm starting Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Hours at the Center will return to 10 am-5 pm on September 4th. The park is open daily from sunrise until sunset.
Superintendent Patrick Gamman says, “We anticipate another exciting, busy summer season and are happy to offer a diverse range of programs. Come out for a day trip and check out the amazing fossils on display, incredible scenery, and much more!"
The Cant Ranch House will be open Saturdays and Sundays, June 10th through August 18th, noon until 3 pm. During these weekends, ranger-led tours of the ranch grounds will occur at 3pm.
Ranger programs will be offered at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, June 10th through August 18th, with daily 11:30 am ranger talks. Fridays through Sundays, join a park ranger on a 10 am hike at Blue Basin in the Sheep Rock Unit of the park and attend a gallery tour in the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center at 1:30 pm.
The Painted Hills Unit, with its colorful hills interspersed with layers of red and gold, offers a shady, green picnic area, benches and trails. During weekends from June 16th through August 18th, join a ranger talk at 2 pm on the Painted Hills Overlook trail at the trailhead. The Clarno Unit, including the spectacular palisades formation, has trails and picnic facilities.
In addition to the Open House to meet the Superintendent at the Cant Ranch on June 9th from noon until 3 pm, stay late and enjoy the incredible night skies of eastern Oregon. There will be a star program at 8:30 pm in the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center.
Additional special events are planned throughout the summer. Visitors should check the monument’s website at www.nps.gov/joda for current schedules.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
