Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

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A fossil horse stands in the center of a room filled with posters and display cases
The Thousand Springs Visitor Center is the only place at the monument to see fossils.
Steep, rocky bluffs line a river, awash in warm sunset colors
The Glenns Ferry Formation contains one of the world's richest Pliocene fossil deposits.
A sidewalk leads to a boxy, wood-paneled building labelled as "visitor center"
The Thousand Springs Visitor Center, opening in 2022, marks a new partnership between the National Park Service and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
A wooden platform with railing, along with two exhibit signs, overlooks the river and fossil beds.
Enjoy scenic vistas and learn about Hagerman's Pliocene past at the Snake River Overlook.
An educational exhibit along a trail overlooks panoramic views of the Hagerman Valley.
Enjoy scenic vistas and learn about Hagerman's human and paleontological history at the Oregon Trail Overlook.
Photos: National Park Service

About Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

During the Pliocene, this place looked quite different. Lush wetlands, forests, and grasslands provided excellent habitat for a variety of animals. From fascinating, now-extinct creatures like the saber-toothed cat, mastodon, and ground sloth, to more familiar animals like horses, beavers, and birds, the scientific study of Pliocene fossils is the key to Hagerman.

Quick Facts

State Idaho
Designation National Monument
State Code ID
Weather Hagerman, Idaho, gets 10 inches of rain per year. On average, there are 213 sunny days per year in Hagerman, Idaho. The July high is around 94 degrees. The January…

Location & Map

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is located in Idaho.

Operating Hours

The road leading to the Monument is a public road and is open 24 hours a day. Access to the Monument Overlooks closes at dusk. The Visitor Center has separate hours. Please be aware that the overlooks and trails are not maintained during winter.

Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset
Monday Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset
Friday Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday Sunrise to Sunset

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Getting There

The Thousand Springs Visitor Center is located about one mile north of downtown Hagerman on US Highway 30.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 17970 U.S. Hwy 30, Hagerman, ID, 83332
Phone 2089334105
Email hafo_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Climate Change Fossils and Paleontology Geology Scenic Views Trails

Things To Do

Celebrate the Fire Horse

Celebrate the Fire Horse

Stop by the Thousand Springs Visitor Center for scheduled Year of the Horse events and lectures. 

Birding in the Hagerman Valley

Birding in the Hagerman Valley

The Hagerman Valley is one of the most popular birding destinations in southern Idaho.

Enjoy a Picnic

Enjoy a Picnic

Pack up a meal to enjoy with friends or family at a covered picnic shelter along the park road.

Hike the Emigrant Trail

Hike the Emigrant Trail

The Emigrant Trail roughly parallels visible remnants of the Oregon Trail, capturing some of the experience of mid-1800s emigrants moving…

Become a Hagerman Fossil Beds Junior Ranger

Become a Hagerman Fossil Beds Junior Ranger

Visitors of all ages and abilities can become a Hagerman Fossil Beds Junior Ranger.

See Fossils on Display

See Fossils on Display

See fossils on display and learn about Hagerman's contributions to the science of paleontology.

Visitor Centers

Thousand Springs Visitor Center

The new Thousand Springs Visitor Center, operated jointly with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, is located about one mile north of Hagerman on Highway…

Hours: Visitor center hours vary seasonally. The park road and overlooks are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

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