Overview
Hagerman, Idaho, is a small town with a rich paleontological site that has fossils of some of the oldest horses in North America.
3 sights · 1 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hagerman
Hagerman Fossil Beds Visitor Center
The visitor center in town has fossil casts on display. The horses are the most famous, but there are birds and other animals too. You can also see a movie about the site, and information and maps.
Snake River Overlook
With a view of the Snake River.
Oregon Trail Overlook
Has information about the Oregon Trail, which passed through this area leaving ruts that are still visible.
Thousand Springs State Park
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Jackpot)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TWF Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional Airport, Twin Falls — 31 mi away. Directions
- SUN Friedman Memorial Airport, Hailey — 56 mi away. Directions
- BOI Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise — 84 mi away (major hub). Directions
There's no public transportation to Hagerman, so your only real option is to drive. The nearest airports are in Twin Falls and Boise.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Hagerman Fossil Beds Visitor Center, Snake River Overlook
- Afternoon Oregon Trail Overlook, Thousand Springs State Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
There's no public transportation to Hagerman, so your only real option is to drive. The nearest airports are in Twin Falls and Boise.
See
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Near Hagerman is a paleontological site with fossils of ancient horses and many other animals. Horses evolved in North America, though they became extinct on the continent about 10,000 years ago after spreading to Eurasia.
See Oregon Trail Overlook
Has information about the Oregon Trail, which passed through this area leaving ruts that are still visible.
For hikers, the three-mile (5 km) Emigrant Trail goes between the two overlooks and lets you see part of the Oregon Trail.
Some visitors have tried to hike off-trail to the exact locations where fossils have been found. This is not permitted because the ground is unstable, and there are no uncovered fossils to see out there anyway. If you want to see fossils, your only option is to go to the visitor center.
Do
Stay safe
When hiking at the national monument, look out for red ants, scorpions, snakes, ticks, yellow jackets, bees, and mosquitoes. Don't feed the squirrels.
Do not hike off-trail. Landslides are a risk, and there are no fossils to see out there.
Nearby
Buhl
City / town · 16 mi away
Shoshone
City / town · 6 listings · 26 mi away
Twin Falls
City / town · 33 listings · 27 mi away
Mountain Home
City / town · 2 listings · 46 mi away
Jackpot
City / town · 16 listings · 59 mi away
Burley
City / town · 6 listings · 59 mi away
Sun Valley
City / town · 38 listings · 66 mi away
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Park · 10 listings · 73 mi away
My experience
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