Escalante Petrified Forest
State Park

Photo: Travel Utah

A Journey Through Time

Situated just off Scenic Byway 12 only 1 ½ miles from the quiet little town of Escalante, Utah, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers visitors a unique glimpse into Utah’s prehistoric geology. Covering 1,350 acres at an elevation of 5,800 feet, the park is renowned for its extensive concentration of petrified tree remnants above the shores of the tranquil Wide Hollow Reservoir.​

A Walk Among Ancient Giants

The park's main attraction is its extensive petrified forest where visitors can hike among fossilized trees that date back over 150 million years (give or take a few). These ancient conifers were preserved through permineralization.

This fossilization process occurs when mineral deposits, borne by water, fill the pore spaces and cavities within an organism's tissues. The long-term result is a mineralized cast of the original structure.

Escalante Petrified Forest showcases the remnants of trees displaying vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow and purple. Such colors are the result of minerals like iron and manganese oxides which remained from petrification.

Photo: Travel Utah

The most notable trails include:​

• Petrified Forest Trail: A one-mile loop that ascends 200 feet to the mesa top offers panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, hikers can observe numerous petrified logs and interpretive signs detailing the area's geology and history.​
• Trail of Sleeping Rainbows: A 3/4 mile loop which branches from the main trail. This path is steeper and more rugged but rewards hikers with the park's densest concentration of petrified wood including logs up to 15 feet long.
• Petrified Wood Cove Trail:  Offers a wheelchair-accessible route with impressive specimens of petrified wood for those needing such an option.

Wide Hollow Reservoir: A Refreshing Desert Haven

Beyond its geological wonders, the park features the 130-acre Wide Hollow Reservoir. It is ideal for:​

• Fishing: The reservoir is stocked with the standard Utah reservoir pan fish - largemouth bass, crappie, tiger trout, rainbow trout and bluegill.​
• Boating and Canoeing: Non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards are perfect for exploring the calm waters.​ Motorized boats are prohibited on this small lake.
• Swimming: During warmer months, the reservoir provides a refreshing escape from the desert heat.​

Photo: Travel Utah

Camping and Amenities

The park offers two campgrounds to accommodate visitors:​

• Wide Hollow Campground: Features 22 units including 21 RV sites with water and electric hookups.​
• Lake View Campground: Provides additional camping options with scenic views of the reservoir.​

Both campgrounds include modern restrooms with hot showers, a sanitary disposal station and a group-use pavilion. Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Utah State Parks reservation system.​ See below for that link.

Visitor Center and Educational Exhibits

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the park's Visitor Center houses a museum with displays of:​

• Petrified wood specimens showcasing intricate details of ancient trees.​
• Fossilized dinosaur bones and marine fossils over 100 million years old.​

Park Manager Chad Jones notes, "Under a microscope, you can still see the cellular structure of the tree," highlighting the exceptional preservation of these specimens.​

Photo: Travel Utah

Legends and Lore: The Petrified Wood Curse

A local legend … “the curse” of the Escalante Petrified Forest …warns that removing petrified wood from the park will bring misfortune. Over the years, the park has received numerous returned specimens accompanied by letters detailing the bad luck experienced by those who took them.

Some letters even go so far as to say that the individual’s luck improved when they returned the specimens. Nonetheless, removing anything from a state park is against the law so your luck will definitely turn bad if you get caught. Don’t do it. As the saying goes, "Take only photographs, leave only footprints."​

Flora, Fauna and Scenic Beauty

The park's diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes and over 100 bird species like bald eagles and ospreys. The surrounding pygmy forest, composed of piñon pine and juniper trees, adds to the park's unique charm.​

Nearby Attractions

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park serves as an excellent base for exploring southern Utah's natural wonders, including:​

• Escalante:  We spent a night in this sleepy little town and thoroughly enjoyed the quiet, laid-back (almost like dropping out from society) vibe we got from the area. To read about our experience there, go here to read more.
• Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument: Offers hiking, canyoneering and stunning geological formations.​
• Anasazi State Park Museum: Located further north in Boulder, Utah, this museum provides insights into the ancient Ancestral Puebloan culture.​
• Scenic Byway 12:  Well, if you make it to Escalante, you’ve already been driving on my favorite road ... Scenic Byway 12.

Photo: Travel Utah

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Information and Fees

• Operating Hours: Open year-round from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.​
• Visitor Center Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.​
• Entrance Fees: For the most current fee information, please visit the Utah State Parks official website.​ As I’ve said in other recent articles, these fees seem to go up almost every year. Listing them here and keeping them updated is a futile endeavor.
• Camping Reservations: Available through the Utah State Parks reservation system as are reservations to all the Utah State Parks. Click on this link to open it up in another window so you can read the rest of this article.
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, wildlife viewing and photography.​
• Facilities: Visitor Center, campgrounds, restrooms, showers, picnic areas and interpretive trails.​
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome but must be leashed and, of course, cleaned up after.​ Yes, believe it or not, there are many people who choose not to be aware of this common-sense rule.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
1450 North Reservoir Road
Escalante, Utah 84726
Phone: (435) 826-4466
Website: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/escalante-petrified-forest

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley