MY BUCKET LIST
I haven’t visited this location yet. It’s on my bucket list, and I wanted to share a little information in case you get a chance to explore it before I do.
Island in Time is a short trail into Blue Basin at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The route follows a small drainage between blue-green rock formations, crossing metal footbridges along the way.
Lower Blue Basin trail in the Sheep Rock Unit. Photo: Finetooth. Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0. Thumbnails may be cropped to fit.
This photo was taken in 2011 and may not reflect current conditions. I recommend looking through recent AllTrails photos before your visit.
Why it’s on my list
In my few years of living in Oregon, I still haven’t made it out to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. It’s definitely high on my list, but I just haven’t been able to get out there yet. I know there are several trails to explore, and I’m hoping to do a bunch of them when I finally make it over.
Island in Time looks especially amazing. The trail follows a small creek bed through these incredible rock formations with an almost unreal bluish hue. Whenever I do get out here, this will definitely be one of the first hikes I try. If you’re in the Central Oregon area and haven’t made the trip east yet, I hope you get a chance to explore this beautiful place too.
If you’ve been here or make it out before I do, I’d love to hear how it went. Leave a comment at the bottom of the page and tell me about your visit!
At a glance
- Location: Blue Basin, Sheep Rock Unit, near Dayville
- Difficulty: Moderate (AllTrails)
- Hike Length: Approx. 1.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 252 ft.
- Hike Type: Out and back
View the trail and photos on AllTrails
Getting there: Use the Blue Basin trailhead in the Sheep Rock Unit, about four miles north of the Highway 19 and Highway 26 junction. Island in Time is the canyon-floor out-and-back, separate from the longer Blue Basin Overlook loop.
There’s limited shade, and the clay-rich trail can get muddy after rain or snow. The creek bed may be dry. NPS notes that some dogs are uncomfortable on the 13 metal-grate bridges. Stay on the trail and leave fossils where you find them.
Details checked November 2, 2026. Trail measurements follow the linked AllTrails route. Sources: AllTrails, National Park Service, Sheep Rock trails, Current park conditions. Conditions and access can change.