John Day Fossil Beds National Monument - Accessibility (U.S. National Park Service)

Thomas Condon Paleontology Center: The center is located in the Sheep Rock Unit of the monument, 9 miles west of Dayville, Oregon.

The center serves as the park visitor center. It has a fossil museum, theater, education classroom, bookstore, restrooms, and drinking fountains which are all accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Touch exhibits are available in the center. A wheelchair is also available for loan at the center.

The paleontology center has staff available to talk about the John Day Fossil Beds and other area features.

James Cant Ranch: The James Cant Ranch Historic District is located near to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center. The ranch house contains a cultural museum, restrooms, and a drinking fountain which are all accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The park headquarters is also located in the ranch house.

Park Brochure: German, New World French, New World Spanish and Japanese translations of the park brochure are available at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center. There is a brief description of the park available in Chinese.

Trails and Overlooks: Most of the park trails and overlooks are not considered accessible, as they are surfaced with loose gravel.

Three Accessible Trails: The Sheep Rock Unit has the 1/3 mile, STORY IN STONE TRAIL, with asphalt surface and touch exhibits.

To those in wheelchairs, the trail is rated as easy with short sections of moderate slope (assistance may be needed for some on short
sections of the trail due to grade of slope).

The Painted Hills Unit is located 10 miles west of Mitchell, OR. This unit has the 1/3 mile, LEAF HILL TRAIL, with hard-packed, soil surface and easy slopes.

Also at the Painted Hills Unit is the ¼ mile PAINTED COVE TRAIL, with 300 feet of the trail a boardwalk, meeting accessibility standards.

Picnicking: Picnic areas and tables, accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, are available at all three units of the monument.

Water & Restrooms: Accessible drinking fountains and restrooms are available at all three units of the monument. Outdoor water
sources at picnic areas are turned off during colder months.