What Is Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument?
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument preserves the largest deposit of Hagerman Horse fossils and generally one of the richest Pliocene fossil deposits in the world!
What Makes It Beautiful?
The horse is almost globally revered as a symbol of strength and beauty, and it was here in North America that the Equus genus originated, spreading west over the land bridge into Asia and Africa! You might say Eurasia traded humans for horses with North America! In any case, Equus simplicidens, the Hagerman Horse, lived in this area between 4 and 3 million years ago, and for reasos unknown, over 200 of them found up here as their final resting place!
Though the terrain has changed a lot in the last few million years, this area along the Snake River has fed generations of Shoshone and Bannock folks, and the sight of water greeted thousands of thirsty migrants on the Oregon Trail! Today, there is little for visitors to explore in the monument, but looking out over this river vista leaves a wanderer to imagine a lush world of ancient horses, peccaries, and of course, beavers!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument!
- Donate to Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
The dual visitor center is located at:
17970 US-30
Hagerman, ID 83332
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM!
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