Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Enjoy a Picnic
NPS/S. Lacy
Pack up a meal to enjoy with friends or family at a covered picnic shelter along the park road. There is one picnic table at the Snake River Overlook and two tables at the Oregon Trail Overlook. Enjoy a short walk, scenic views, and educational exhibits at each overlook.
Groceries and restaurant takeout are available in the town of Hagerman, along Highway 30, near the monument.
Directions: From the Thousand Springs Visitor Center, turn left (South) onto Highway 30. Follow the highway for about 5 miles (8 km), passing through the town of Hagerman. Just after the bridge over the river, turn right (West) onto Bell Rapids Road. Drive 2.5 (4 km) miles on Bell Rapids Road to reach the Snake River Overlook. Follow the road an additional 2.5 miles (4km) to reach the Oregon Trail Overlook.
Visitor Services: Both overlooks feature vault toilets, trash cans, and covered picnic shelters. Park brochures are available. Cell service may be limited. Drinking water and flush toilets are available only at the Thousand Springs Visitor Center during regular operating hours.
Details
Activity
Picnicking
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Leashed pets are allowed on the park road and on paved walkways. Pets are not permitted on trails or inside the visitor center. Service dogs trained to assist visitors with disabilities may go wherever visitors are allowed.
Activity Fee
No
There are no fees charged to enter Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The park road and scenic overlooks are open year-round. During winter, snow and ice may be present on roads, trails, and sidewalks.
Accessibility Information
Service dogs trained to assist visitors with disabilities may go anywhere visitors are allowed.
The Snake River Overlook features a small gravel parking area. There is one paved accessible parking space, alongside a paved sidewalk. There is paved access to the toilet and picnic shelter. A wooden plank boardwalk leads to the viewing platform. The boardwalk is about 30 to 40 feet long, with a gentle incline. The wood plank platform features two benches for seating.
The Oregon Trail Overlook features a large gravel parking area. There is one paved accessible parking space, alongside a paved sidewalk. There is paved access to the toilet and picnic shelter. The trail up to scenic viewpoints and exhibits features packed gravel and dirt, though some areas of gravel may be loose. The average grade of the trail is 1.4%, with a maximum grade of 5%. The total elevation change is 35 ft (10.4 m). Typical tread width is 6ft (1.8 m). The trail length is about 0.6 mi (1 km) out and back.
Trail and sidewalk conditions may vary due to rain and snow, especially in winter and early spring.
The Snake River Overlook features a small gravel parking area. There is one paved accessible parking space, alongside a paved sidewalk. There is paved access to the toilet and picnic shelter. A wooden plank boardwalk leads to the viewing platform. The boardwalk is about 30 to 40 feet long, with a gentle incline. The wood plank platform features two benches for seating.
The Oregon Trail Overlook features a large gravel parking area. There is one paved accessible parking space, alongside a paved sidewalk. There is paved access to the toilet and picnic shelter. The trail up to scenic viewpoints and exhibits features packed gravel and dirt, though some areas of gravel may be loose. The average grade of the trail is 1.4%, with a maximum grade of 5%. The total elevation change is 35 ft (10.4 m). Typical tread width is 6ft (1.8 m). The trail length is about 0.6 mi (1 km) out and back.
Trail and sidewalk conditions may vary due to rain and snow, especially in winter and early spring.