JOHN DAY FOSSIL BEDS - PAINTED HILLS
Two days of blissful road cycling in and around the John Day Fossil Bed National Monuments near Mitchell, Oregon. This tour originate and returns to Bend Oregon. It is a sweet little two day tour packed with adventure!
John Day Fossil Details
2025 Tour Dates:
May 29-30 • June 5-6 • Sept 18-19 • Sept 22-23 • Sept 25-26• Sept 29-30
Tour highlights include: Visting two of the three John Day Fossil Beds National Monument sites - Painted Hills and Sheep Rock / Thomas Condon Paleontology Center and Tiger Town Brewing
Ascent Difficulty
Mileage Difficulty
Accommodations
Lodging
Tour Duration
5-7 Hours of Riding Per Day
Distance
123 Miles
(198 Kilometers)
Overview
The John Day Fossil Beds Tour originates in Bend, Oregon. Travel to and from Bend to Mitchell is included. This tour includes two lovely days of riding with vistas to please all the senses. All routes originate in Mitchell. The tour includes two days of supported rides and one night’s lodging. All rides are fully supported with a SAG (support and gear vehicle) with top quality fuel for your adventure. Lunch is included each day along with high quality snacks and hydration provided at each support stop along the routes. Tour participants should be comfortable road cycling for approximately 5-7 hours per day for two consecutive days. Daily rides range from 56-67 miles, with the most challenging day including over 5,985+’ cumulative elevation gain. The support stops allow riders to adjust the level of difficulty and reduce the hill climbing, if desired. See some of our favorite moments from this tour in our photo gallery!
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Twickenham Loop
Meet your guides in the morning at 8 am and we drive about 2 hours to Mitchell Oregon. Day 1 is some is all about climbing and descending. We when finish up the route we head town to shower and refuel. A non-cycling trip out to Painted Hills is planned for after dinner to catch the hills in the golden hour.
Summary: 56 miles (90 km) | 5,985 ft (1,824 m) elevation gain.
DAY 2: Mitchell to Thomas Condon Paleontology
Day 2 riding in the beauty of the High Desert. The ride finishes with a visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center.
Summary: 67 miles (107 km) | 4,146 ft (1,264 m) elevation gain.
Tour Data
Terrain
100% Paved | 0% Gravel
Total Elevation Gain
10,131 Feet (3,088 Meters)
Average Elevation Gain Per Mile (Km)
83 Feet (16 Meters)
Tour Ammenities
Inclusions: Lodging for one night, all meals, snacks and electrolytes at every support stop, bicycle rental, park entrance fees, and support transportation while on the tour, transportation to and from Bend Oregon.
Please contact us regarding any food allergies and or dietary restrictions.
Exclusions: Guide gratuities and alcohol.
