Oregon’s famous Painted Hills are located inside the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in east-central Oregon. This is a rugged and resplendent region in the high desert of central Oregon — and its beauty will take you by surprise. For the most immersive and sublime experience of this picturesque place, take the Painted Hills Overlook trail. At less than a mile long, this out-and-back trail winds through sublime desert scenery, leading to an Oregon overlook with a view that’s downright otherworldly.

The Painted Hills are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon -- and indeed, they are nothing short of wondrous.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
This site is named for the colorful layers of its hills, which correspond to various geological eras, formed when the area was an ancient river floodplain.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
The result is an immensely beautiful area that's downright otherworldly. And happily, it's also one of the most accessible natural wonders in Oregon!
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
One of the best ways to take in the area, the Painted Hills Overlook trail is a 0.6-mile, moderately trafficked, out-and-back trail that's accessible for all skill levels.
Nicole Nikolas/AllTrails

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This dog-friendly trek leads to a scenic overlook with views sure to take your breath away.
Sharon Zhou/AllTrails
Beautiful all year round, there's something special about experiencing the Painted Hills in each season.
HoneyTongTong !/AllTrails
(Though we are partial to the Painted Hills when they've been painted with a soft dusting of snow.)
Jasan Carsley/AllTrails
The Painted Hills of Oregon are a place that's sure to feed the flames of your wanderlust -- and leave a lasting impression.
Mohammed Almonifi/AllTrails
And if you tackle this trail while the sun is setting, be prepared for a sublime and spectacular show from Mother Nature that you'll never forget.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr

Have you hiked the Painted Hills Overlook trail in Oregon before? This really is a hike that belongs on every Beaver State adventurer’s bucket list!

For more bucket-list-worthy hikes in Oregon, here are 12, one for each month of the year.

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Painted Hills Overlook, Overlook Trail, Mitchell, OR 97750, USA