Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-
toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk
their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber
tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists
learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil
they discover.

Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil they discover.

Bird's eye view of the park

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

## Overview:

Welcome to 41 miles of Central Oregon's scenic backcountry! Relish views of
the orange and red clay mounds of the Painted Hills, crane your neck to catch
the emerald-green lichen on the rock walls of Girds Creek Canyon, and get up
close and personal with the high desert cliffs of Sutton Mountain. You can
stick to the byway or explore colorful hiking trails, discover historic
corrals from early ranching days, pause for a lunch break at Priest Hole on
the banks of the John Day River, or camp under breathtaking, unobstructed
night skies. Anywhere you look, it's a photographer's dream!

## Know Before You Go:

  * Open year round.
  * The byway is open to motorcycles, vehicles, and bicycles.
  * Picnicking, restrooms and drinking water are available at the Painted Hills National Monument (water not available during winter months).
  * Fuel, food and lodging are available in Mitchell, Oregon.
  * Primitive camping is available at the BLM Priest Hole Recreation Site, which can be reached via a 1.4 mile spur road off of the north side of the byway loop (restroom, no water).

## Point of Interest:

The Scenic Byway passes by the Painted Hills, one of the  Seven Wonders of
Oregon. It's worth the time to explore the colors, fossils and geology of this
amazing place!  
  
Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway Brochure

<h2>Overview:</h2>

<p>Welcome to 41 miles of Central Oregon's scenic backcountry! Relish views of the orange and red clay mounds of the Painted Hills, crane your neck to catch the emerald-green lichen on the rock walls of Girds Creek Canyon, and get up close and personal with the high desert cliffs of Sutton Mountain. You can stick to the byway or explore colorful hiking trails, discover historic corrals from early ranching days, pause for a lunch break at Priest Hole on the banks of the John Day River, or camp under breathtaking, unobstructed night skies. Anywhere you look, it's a photographer's dream!</p>

<h2>Know Before You Go:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Open year round.</li>
	<li>The byway is open to motorcycles, vehicles, and bicycles.</li>
	<li>Picnicking, restrooms and drinking water are available at the Painted Hills National Monument (water not available during winter months).</li>
	<li>Fuel, food and lodging are available in Mitchell, Oregon.</li>
	<li>Primitive camping is available at the BLM Priest Hole Recreation Site, which can be reached via a 1.4 mile spur road off of the north side of the byway loop (restroom, no water).</li>
</ul>

<h2>Point of Interest:</h2>

<p>The Scenic Byway passes by the Painted Hills, one of the <a href="http://traveloregon.com/7wonders/" rel="nofollow"> Seven Wonders of Oregon</a>. It's worth the time to explore the colors, fossils and geology of this amazing place!<br/>
<br/>
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Sutton_MtnByWay_brochure.pdf" rel="nofollow">Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway Brochure </a></p>

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

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Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway