Skip to content

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Hagerman, ID

Nature

Bluffs above the Snake River that hold a rich record of Pliocene horses and other animals. Stop at the overlook on the bluffs for the view; there is little shade, so bring water.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument was established on November 18, 1988 and covers about 4,300 acres (17 km²) above the Snake River. The fossils date from the Pliocene, roughly 3 to 4 million years ago. The site holds the largest known concentration of the Hagerman horse (Equus simplicidens), an early one-toed horse. The area has been a National Natural Landmark since 1975.

The Thousand Springs Visitor Center lies about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Hagerman and also serves Thousand Springs State Park; it offers fossil displays and ranger programs. The overlooks and trails are separate, about 9 miles (14 km) away on Bell Rapids Road, and are open from sunrise to sunset. Plan on one to two hours and bring water and sun protection.

Nearest town
Hagerman, ID
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
42.7903, -114.9453

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Nearby

Malad Gorge State Park – Malad Gorge - panoramio - photophat (1)© photophat · CC BY 3.0
Views

Malad Gorge State Park

Hagerman, ID
Oddities

Balanced Rock

Castleford, ID
Perrine Bridge 2016-09-28 334© Chris Light · CC BY-SA 4.0
Views

Perrine Bridge

Twin Falls, ID
-IDAHO-B-0119- Snake River - Shoshone Falls (6918286591)© WaterArchives.org from Sacramento, California, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
Editor's pick
Nature

Shoshone Falls

Twin Falls, ID

Campsites nearby

  • Rustic Edge RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    3 mi from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
    CaravansMotorhomes
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Hagerman RV VillageMotorhome stopover
    3 mi from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
    CaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Rest EZ RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    7 mi from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
    Motorhomes
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Love's RV HookupMotorhome stopover
    9 mi from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
    CaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Oasis Stop and GoMotorhome stopover
    17 mi from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
    Motorhomes
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Legacy Fields RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    25 mi from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
    OSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Idaho · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument?

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is in Hagerman, ID, at GPS 42.7903, -114.9453. It is about 29 mi from Twin Falls.

Can you camp near Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rustic Edge RV Park, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument?

Places worth a stop nearby: Malad Gorge State Park (6 mi), Balanced Rock (17 mi), Perrine Bridge (28 mi) and Shoshone Falls (31 mi).

When is the best time to visit Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)