Colorful rock formations at John Day Fossil Beds preserve a world-class record of plant and animal evolution, changing climate, and past ecosystems spanning more than 40 million years. Exhibits and a working lab at the Thomas Condon Paleontology and Visitor Center, along with scenic drives and hikes at all three units, allow people to explore Oregon’s prehistoric past and see science in action. In this semi-arid desert landscape, weather conditions are highly variable, with summer highs climbing into the 110s and winters generally fairly mild but with occasional snow, ice, and lows that sometimes dip into the single digits.