Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Dec. 19, 2023

It was a beautiful day for a hike. Sunny, mid-40s and no wind, which is rare in southern Idaho. I hiked Emigrant trail that parallels the old Oregon trail. Ruts from wagon wheels are still visible in a couple spots. Tumbleweeds blocked the trail like a clogged artery in several spots making the easy hike a bit more rugged. The trail is not very scenic with monotone grass and shrubs on rolling hills next to the path. The Snake River is not visible from the trail but there were lookouts in the parking areas. There was still a bit of ice on the surface, so the geese looked kind of funny standing on water. The main reason for the monument is fossils from the Pliocene era but it is not allowed to go off trail and dig so the only place to see fossils is in the visitor center.