Painted Cove Trail — Attraction in Prineville

cool stop! just far out there.

came here on a day trip from bend: 2 hours out of town.

mid july afternoon is absolutely bacon 93 degrees it's the high desert, so all dust and gravel, thin atmosphere and dry shrubs. a gravel road about 1-3 miles has to be driven to reach the lookouts. my honda fit did okay and we saw other sedans. the short walks 1/4 to 1/2 mile were completely doable by the easy hikers in our party, and rewarded with pretty mountain views. (we didn't try the longer high climb since it was so hot). we spent 2 hours total going slow and taking pictures. the outhouse restrooms are decently well kept for a park. it's very true that your visibility of the mountain colors is completely dependent on the time of day you go, and the angle of the sun. afternoon allowed us to view most of the great vistas, but not all (anything in shadow is very hard to see). but this would be the case for any time of day, so afternoon is probably a...

The Painted Cove Trail in Oregon’s John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a must-visit for nature lovers. With its striking reds, yellows, and golds, the trail offers a surreal landscape that seems plucked from another planet. This one-third-mile loop is accessible and family-friendly, making it easy for everyone to enjoy its splendor. The colors you see are the result of volcanic ash deposits weathered over millions of years. Walking through this vivid trail, you can almost hear the stories the Earth has been telling for ages. It’s a fantastic reminder of our planet’s dynamic nature. Perfect for photographers and anyone with an appreciation for natural beauty, the Painted Cove Trail leaves a lasting impression despite its short length. Just don’t forget your water and a hat; the high desert sun can be quite intense. In essence, the Painted Cove Trail is a brief but unforgettable journey into a vividly...

Nothing compares to an evening at sunset, walking between the hills where thirty-three and forty million years collide in one corner. Please stay on the paths and walk the path of history. Wonderful small signs educate you and enhance the experience. A new boardwalk was put in last year at the which is perfect for photo opps and wheelchair accessible. Park ranger can host talks on the weekend and easy hikes abound in this region of discovery. This is one of several places to see and is complete with easy family and senior hiking trails full of vistas. Mitchell is only 9 miles east with food, fuel, groceries, three cafes and a brewery, hotel, motel, Air B&B options, a hostel, and two churches. Most businesses close between 7-8pm in Mitchell in Summer, earlier by wintertime. Gas closes in the summer at 6, earlier starting in late Fall and open 4 days a week. Prineville is 45 miles west. No camping in the...