The Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and are known to be one of the 7 wonders of Oregon. They were formed over millions of years through a combination of volcanic activity and erosion. Exploring the Painted Hills in Oregon often makes you feel like you are in a different planet(mars). Their unique and vibrant colors of red, orange, gold and black create breathtaking views making them especially captivating during sunrise and sunset. The remarkable colors of the Painted Hills are primarily the result of different mineral compositions in the sedimentary layers. Iron, aluminum, magnesium, and other minerals create the various hues.

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Trails in Painted Hills

You can explore all of Painted Hills in one day. It consists of 5 short hiking trails so expect about 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level, how much time you spend taking pictures and admiring the views. Keep in mind that you are in the desert so depending on when you visit and what time, you should bring enough water and protect yourself and your pups from the weather conditions if you choose to bring them along. Let’s now take a look at the options of trails you have when visiting Painted Hills ordered by shortest to longest. Then you can decide whether you want to visit all 5 or just a few.

1. Painted Cove Trail

The Painted Cove Trail is a a relatively short loop trail. It is 0.25 miles making it easy for anyone to explore. This trail is very popular and as you might have seen is the most featured on social media. A boardwalk leads you through an up-close and otherworldly experience of the Painted Hills. You’ll have the opportunity to observe the colors, textures, and patterns of the eroded hillsides formed over millions of years. I definitely felt like I was transported to Mars.

2. Red Scar Knoll Trail 

The Red Scar Knoll Trail is also a 0.25 mile trail that takes you up close to a hill with red and yellow color formations. If you are looking for more of a tranquil walk away from the crowds this one is a great choice.

3. Leaf Hill Trail

The Leaf Hill Trail is the least popular at a 0.25 mile hike. It doesn’t offer any hills or scenic views like the other hikes do. If you don’t have much time, I recommend skipping this one. If you are super into fossils you will find this trail interesting as they do offer signs where you can learn its history or might even see some fossils. I personally skipped this trail since the weather started to get too hot for my dog.

4. Painted Hills Overlook Trail

The Painted Hills Overlook Trail is a relatively short out-and-back trail, spanning approximately 0.5 miles round trip. It offers amazing panoramic views of the Painted Hills, with little to no effort. It’s an excellent spot for taking in the breathtaking landscapes as well as experience the colors of the hills transform into vibrant hues during sunrise or sunset. If you only have time to check one trail, make sure its this one.

5. The Caroll Rim Trail

The Caroll Rim Trail is a 1.6 mile round trip. It’s the longest hike Painted Hills has to offer, considered a moderate hike due to some elevation gain as you ascend to the viewpoint. Doing this trail you will experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Painted Hills and the surrounding landscape. So if you are looking for more of a challenge with a reward once you reach the top, I recommend doing Caroll Rim Trail.

Is there a fee?

Good news! There is no fee to enter Painted Hills or park in any of the parking spots near the trails. Also note there’s parking in all of the trails.

Dog Friendly?

The Painted Hills in Oregon is dog friendly so you can bring your furry friends and explore together. Just remember to keep them on a leash, pack enough water, snacks, and follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Where to stay?

The closest town to Painted Hills is a small town called Mitchell which is about a 20 minute drive. In this town there’s accommodations, a few restaurants, a grocery store, and a gas station. I did not stay in the town of Mitchell since it was fully booked, I only drove by it and stopped for some coffee. I did stay in the Historic Hotel Condon in Condon which is about an hour and a half drive up north from Painted Hills. If you don’t mind the drive and are into historical buildings I definitely recommend staying here.

Best time to visit Painted Hills?

You can visit Painted Hills year round but its recommended to visit during the spring and fall when the weather is not as hot or cold/snowy.