Step back in time at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, where ancient creatures once roamed the land. Imagine large rhino-like brontotheres wandering through semitropical forests, while dog-sized, three-toed horses swiftly navigate between the trees. Keep an eye out for the cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stealthily tracking their prey. As the climate shifts, the forests give way to vast, dry grasslands. Saber-tooth cats and camels vanish, making room for the arrival of mountain lions and graceful deer. It's a journey through time where each fossil unearthed by paleontologists unveils a new piece of the puzzle, shedding light on the remarkable animals and environments that thrived here millions of years ago. Embrace the opportunity to connect with this prehistoric world at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, where the past comes to life through the fossilized remnants of a bygone era.

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Weather conditions at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are highly variable in this semi-arid desert landscape. Summer highs can climb into the 110's. Winters tend to be fairly mild, with occassional snow and ice and lows occasionally dipping into the single digits.