If you’ve never experienced Oregon’s Painted Hills, you’re missing out on one of the most strikingly beautiful landscapes in America. Reminiscent of Mars, these ancient and colorful hills are the result of stratifications in the soil. The effect is mesmerizing, and you’ll surely be tempted to explore. Take a look at the following photographs and you’ll see for yourself why the Painted Hills are considered to be a natural wonder of Oregon:

Oregon's famous Painted Hills are located inside the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in east-central Oregon.
pgc97201/Flickr
The park is famous for housing well-preserved layers of fossils, some of which date back 45 million years.
Pixabay

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The three separate units inside the preserve are Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno.
Ben Amstutz/flickr
Each possesses geographically unique features, which are outlined in the park. Visitors will learn about the prehistoric versions of elephants that once roamed here.
Tucker Sherman/Flickr
Exploring these ancient hills, you'll feel not only as though you've traveled back in time, but that you've arrived on a different planet altogether.
Dru!/flickr

This fascinating landscape can be reached by taking the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway. For more information about the John Day Fossil National Monument, be sure to visit the official website here.

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