# Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

> Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument was established on November 18, 1988 and covers about 4,300 acres (17 km²) above the Snake River.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/hagerman-fossil-beds/

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

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** 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

- [NPS: Hagerman Fossil Beds – Foundation Document](https://www.nps.gov/hafo/learn/management/foundations.htm)
- [NPS: Enabling Legislation](https://www.nps.gov/hafo/learn/management/enabling-legislation.htm)
- [NPS: Thousand Springs Visitor Center](https://www.nps.gov/hafo/planyourvisit/visitorcenter.htm)

## Nearby

- [Malad Gorge State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-malad-gorge/) – 6 mi
- [Balanced Rock](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-balanced-rock/) – 17 mi
- [Perrine Bridge](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-perrine-bridge/) – 28 mi
- [Shoshone Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-shoshone-falls/) – 31 mi

## 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)