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One of the most unique of the Seven Wonders of Oregon is Painted Hills. If you are looking for the best Painted Hills trails to explore when you visit, this post ranks the trails in the area.

Painted Hills Oregon

Painted Hills is part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. It is located about 10 miles Northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, one hour from Prineville, Oregon, and just under two hours from Bend, Oregon.

Keep in mind that even though much of Oregon has a wet climate, the area around Painted Hills is a desert. If you are visiting, remember to pack extra water, sunscreen and snacks as services are very limited in the area and it can get quite hot during the day especially in the summer. Check out these tips for hiking in the desert.

Don’t Hurt the Dirt

When you are visiting Painted Hills, stay on the trails. Off-trail footprints can linger for decades. The best way to do protect the Painted Hills is to learn and follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. These are:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel & camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of others

If you want to learn more about these principles or find out ways that you can give back, check out the Leave No Trace website here.

Ranking Painted Hills Trails

If you have limited time to explore Painted Hills, then the rankings in this post will help you decide which trails to hike.

Painted Hills Overlook Trail

If you are looking to just do one trail in Painted Hills, this is the one you should do. The hike to the overlook has great views the entire way and it is overall the best Painted Hills trail. There is no shade on this trail so it can get quite hot.

Number of Miles: 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 78 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: none
Fees (if applicable): none
Dogs Allowed: on-leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Sutton Mountain

Sutton Mountain is a fascinating fault-block mountain with a grassy plateau that resembles the African savannah.

This is an amazing place that offers up exciting adventures for those interested in exploring the unique terrain here.

Lastly, the trail provides a picturesque and memorable experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Number of Miles: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1683 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Painted Cove Trail

The trail that is featured most often on social media is the Painted Cove Trail. This trail is unique for the boardwalk but the features that make it special are quite short. This is why it is the second best trail in the park. There is no shade on this trail so it can get quite hot. There is also a short spur on this trail that can be skipped to improve accessibility.

Number of Miles: 0.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 42 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: none
Fees (if applicable): none
Dogs Allowed: on-leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Arch Trail

This rugged trail follows a steep ascent to the Palisades’ base, where two petrified logs create a (T)-shaped configuration high above the trail, approximately 40 feet high.

At the trail’s conclusion, hikers will encounter a delicate stone arch that adds to the trail’s intrigue, making it an amazing spot for hiking.

Number of Miles: 0.62 miles
Elevation Gain: 187 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1.5
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: April through October

Carroll Rim Trail

This is the most difficult trail in the park. It has the best views of all of the Painted Hills trails because of the elevation gain and the ability to get a bird’s eye view. However the views are a bit redundant and farther away than the views you get from Painted Hills Overlook Trail. This trail has no shade and can get quite hot, especially during the middle of the day.

Number of Miles: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 374 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3
Permit Required: none
Fees (if applicable): none
Dogs Allowed: on-leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Black Canyon

The Black Canyon hike provides a refreshing change of pace, featuring a relatively flat bottom where you can discover waterfalls, smaller side canyons, and several access points leading to steep grassy hills that take you to the summit.

Additionally, this is a moderately challenging hike that begins at a small and inconspicuous trailhead. However, if you need directions, just head to the “ONDA” website for directions.

Number of Miles: 2.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 370 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but must be on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Red Scar Knoll Trail

This hike is unique as you get up close to one very large red hill. This trail is the farthest from the main road and definitely worth the hike if you have time. However, if time is limited this is one that you could eliminate from your plans. There is some limited shade on this trail.

Number of Miles: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 36 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: none
Fees (if applicable): none
Dogs Allowed: on-leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

River Trail

This trail takes you on a scenic route past the beautiful John Day River, making it a great option for a leisurely hike and for a chance to enjoy the river’s natural beauty.

Also, the River Trail starts at the James Cant Ranch parking and takes you straight to the John Day River.

Number of Miles: 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain:
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: yes, but must be on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round.

Leaf Hill Trail

The Leaf Hill trail was the least impressive of the Painted Hills trails. There is a fence around the leaf hill itself so you can’t get too close. So really it looks similar to a mulch pile. However, if you are into fossils, you still might find this trail interesting as the leaves are all fossilized. There is some shade on this trail.

Number of Miles: 0.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 22 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: none
Fees (if applicable): none
Dogs Allowed: on-leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Geologic Time Trail

This trail kicks off right at the picnic area, offering an absolutely stunning view of those rugged Palisades’ rocky spires.

What’s more, it conveniently links up with the Trail of Fossils and Arch Trail, opening up a world of adventure and unique experiences for any trailblazers out there.

Number of Miles: 1,24 miles
Elevation Gain: 249 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: yes, but must be on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: year-round

Interesting Facts About the Painted Hills

The Painted Hills in Oregon got their name from stunning, naturally layered soil that features vibrant hues of yellow, gold, black, and red.

Now, the magic really happens when you catch these colors at their finest during the late afternoon.

In fact, the colors seem to dance and shift as the light and moisture levels change in the claystone that makes up the landscape.

Now, if you want to enjoy amazing scenery then take some time to explore the Painted Hills within John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

It’s an all-American treasure that reveals the history of the Earth’s geology and showcases ancient life that once roamed the area.

So, whether you’re a geology buff, a nature lover, or just an adventurer, the Painted Hills are a top-notch American destination that’s begging to be explored.

Painted Hills Trails FAQs

Is Painted Hills Oregon Worth It?

Oregon’s Painted Hills is indeed a remarkable natural wonder and a must-see attraction within the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

It is officially recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, and this designation is unique for the state.

What is the Best Time of Day to see the Painted Hills?

Given that the hills primarily face westward, the ideal time for capturing the Painted Hills’ beauty is during the evening golden hour.

How Long to Spend in Painted Hills Oregon?

The trails in the Painted Hills can be comfortably explored within a single visit, typically lasting around three hours.

Plus, each of these trails has unique attractions that are well worth a look. So, be sure to experience them all.

Additionally, you’ll find numerous well-placed benches along the way, perfect for taking a break and enjoying the stunning views around you.

Can You walk on the Painted Hills?

Unfortunately, walking on the hills is absolutely forbidden.

Painted Hills Trails

This overview of various Painted Hills hikes will help you plan for an amazing day in one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders. Have you visited this area? Which trail was your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

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