Fly & Drive guide
Fly into RDM, drive to Painted Hills
Your route
RDM
Roberts Field
Painted Hills
About 1 h 42 min · 70 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to RDM
Compare fares into Roberts Field.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Romain COUPY · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at RDM
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Painted Hills. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
04 · First night near Painted Hills
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Painted Hills
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Painted Hills
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: NPS · Public domain
Before you land
Reservations
Day-Use Access and Local Lodging Strategy
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument does not currently use an entry reservation system, but small parking lots at Painted Cove fill quickly. Nearby Mitchell has very limited lodging; book rooms or glamping sites several months in advance for the spring bloom. Entry is free, but visitor centers have specific seasonal hours.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Painted Hills?
Roberts Field (RDM) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from RDM to Painted Hills?
Roughly 1 h 42 min (about 70 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Painted Hills?
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument does not currently use an entry reservation system, but small parking lots at Painted Cove fill quickly. Nearby Mitchell has very limited lodging; book rooms or glamping sites several months in advance for the spring bloom. Entry is free, but visitor centers have specific seasonal hours.
