Hagerman Fossil Beds
National Monument

Hagerman Fossil Beds NM contains the largest concentration of Hagerman Horse fossils in North America. The Monument is Internationally significant because it protects the world's richest known fossil deposits from a time period called the late Pliocene epoch, 3.5 million years ago. These plants and animals represent the last glimpse of time that existed before the Ice Age, and the earliest apearances of modern flora and fauna.

VISITATION:

Highest in June, July, August and September; lowest in January.

LOCATION:

The Visitor Center is located in the town of Hagerman, Idaho.

ADDRESS:

Hagerman Fossil Beds Nm
P.O. Box 570, 221 North State Satreet
Hagerman, Idaho 83332

TELEPHONE:

(208)837-4793

FAX:

(208) 837-4857

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Summer: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend); 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday (the remainder of the year).

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summers are generally hot and dry with possible wind. Sun Screen and plenty of liquids are recommended. Winters are generally cold with some snow. Recommend layers of clothing, espcially in spring and fall, and sturdy walking shoes needed for all seasons.

DIRECTIONS:

Hagerman Fossil Beds NM, Visitor Center is located in the town of Hagerman along U.S. Highway 30 approximately 100 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho, and 35 miles northwest of Twin Falls, Idaho. The monument itself is approximately 6 to 8 miles west of Hagerman across the Snake River.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park No park transportation is provided, private vehicles are required.
In Park: Private vehicles are used.

FEES, COSTS RATES:

There is no charge at either the visitor center or on the Monument.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Information Center, fossil exhibits, slideshow, video and programs are provided by park staff with scheduled public tours during the summer.

Trails:

The Emigrant Trail takes you back in time with a brochure providing quotations from wagon journals of those who traveled this canyon on their trek to Oregon. The dirt trail is three miles long, one-way and is open to hikers or those who bring their horses.

These facilities are accessible by a paved, county road. The trails described below are available only by gravel roads.

A trail system is available on the North end of the Monument that provides access along the bluffs and Sanke River. Lengths vary from about two miles up to 20 depending on visitor interests. These trails are open to mountain bikes, hikers, and equestrians.

Directions and maps may be obtained at the Visitor Center or at the brochure boxes located at the trail heads.

Programs, Activities:

Regularly scheduled ranger-guided tours are available seasonally. Educational programs for schools are given throughout the school year. Reservations are required.

Lodging and Camping facilities:

There are no lodging or camping facilities in the park. Lodging, camping and RV parking are available in the area.

Food, Supplies:

Local restaurants, grocery stores, and several mini-mart/gas stations are located in the town of Hagerman.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

The Park bookstore, operated by the Craters of the Moon Historical Association, is located in the Visitor Center in Hagerman.

Accessibility:

Visitor Center, Oregon Trail and Monument Boardwalk are all wheelchair accessible. The road is paved through the monument with parking available in all areas.

Special Needs:

Fossils are not on exhibit in field area. Visitors outside designated areas must be accompanied by a park ranger.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USE:

Visiting various museums and exhibits, joining in guided programs (seasonally), fishing and hunting within designated boundaries (appropriate state licenses required), Bird watching, canoeing and other boating.

RESERVATIONS, PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups and other educational groups should be made prior to your visit with as much advance notice as possible. At least one month notice with application for Special Use Permits is required.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

A minimum of two hours is recommened to visit the various park facilities. A Self-guided driving tour is also available.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Summer Schedule of Tours.

Contact the Park at (208) 837-4793 for specific dates and times.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Roads may be closed due to inclement weather. Private road areas run through the monument, visitors should stay in designated areas.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Craters of the Moon, Arco, Idaho,(Approximately 2 hours away), City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, Idaho, (approximately 3 hours away) and various State and City Parks, including Malad Gorge State Park (located in Hagerman vacinity) and Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry, Idaho (approximately 1 hour away).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Hagerman Fossil Beds NM, O. Box 570, Hagerman, Idaho 83332 or call (208) 837-4793.

Recent Documents

• The Fossil Record Newsletter, (Spring,1999).

• Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument General Management Plan, September 1996

• Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Research Center/Museum Site Plan

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is part of the Columbia Cascades Cluster

People have had fun visiting this page as of March 30, 1998.

Last Updated:Tuesday, 25-May-99 18:28:43
http://www.nps.gov/hafo/