Last updated: April 27, 2022
Thing to Do
Take a Scenic Drive
NPS/S. Lacy
Take in stunning views of the Snake River, the fossil beds, and the Hagerman Valley along five miles of park road. Stop at the Snake River and Oregon Trail Overlooks for scenic viewpoints and educational exhibits. The Oregon Trail Overlook also features 0.6 mi (1 km) of gravel walking trails, running alongside historic wagon ruts.
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
Scenic Driving
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 anywhere 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.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
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.