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Escalante Petrified Forest State Park wilderness guide
State Park · UT

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers a glimpse into prehistoric times with its vibrant petrified wood and stunning desert landscapes, attracting geology enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

State Park1,3502+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,350

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers a glimpse into prehistoric times with its vibrant petrified wood and stunning desert landscapes, attracting geology enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, located in southern Utah, spans a rugged landscape marked by fascinating geological formations and rich history. The park is renowned for its multicolored fossilized wood, remnants of a prehistoric forest that thrived over 150 million years ago. Beyond its geological allure, the park is surrounded by the vast desert ecosystems of the Colorado Plateau, providing a unique habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking through trails that wind around petrified logs, offering insights into the region's ancient past. Additionally, the park's proximity to Wide Hollow Reservoir offers opportunities for fishing and paddle sports, enhancing its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The area's indigenous history, alongside its natural beauty, deepens its cultural significance, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and history buffs seeking to explore Utah's striking landscapes.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

The Cascading Beauty of Escalante Falls★ 8.7⌖ 0 miHiking
Escalante

The Cascading Beauty of Escalante Falls

Explore the stunning Escalante Waterfall in Escalante, UT. This 5-hour drive from Salt Lake City offers a moderate hike with breathtaking views. Perfect for adventure seekers interested in hiking, photography, and exploring canyons within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Outdoor Adventures at Escalante Outfitters★ 8.5⌖ 0 miCanyoneering
Escalante Outfitters

Outdoor Adventures at Escalante Outfitters

Explore Escalante Outfitters, a gateway for hiking and canyoneering near Escalante, UT. Perfect for adventure seekers, this area offers stunning geological formations in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Best visited in spring or fall to avoid crowds.

CanyoneeringView Details→
Escalante River Trailhead: Gateway to Adventure★ 8.9⌖ 1 miHiking
Escalante River Trailhead

Escalante River Trailhead: Gateway to Adventure

Explore Escalante River Trailhead in Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Access to stunning canyons and arches. Requires permits for exploration. Ideal seasons are spring and fall.

Petrified Wonders at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park★ 7.2⌖ 2 miHiking
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Petrified Wonders at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Explore Escalante Petrified Forest State Park's 1-mile loop trail in Escalante, Utah, renowned for its colorful petrified wood. Perfect for a leisurely hike or picnicking by the river, with additional activities like fishing and kayaking nearby. Best visited in spring and fall.

Hiking The Box Trailhead★ 8.4⌖ 7 miHiking
The Box Trailhead

Hiking The Box Trailhead

Explore The Box Trailhead in Escalante, Utah. This remote trailhead offers access to stunning slot canyons and rock formations. Ideal for adventure seekers and photographers, visit in spring or fall for cooler temperatures.

Discover Cedar Wash Arch in Escalante★ 8.2⌖ 8 miHiking
Cedar Wash Arch

Discover Cedar Wash Arch in Escalante

Cedar Wash Arch, located near Escalante, Utah, offers stunning high desert views. Drive-in access leads to a remote and quiet spot ideal for hiking and photography, especially in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Petrified Forest Trail✦ Wide Hollow Reservoir✦ Ancient Petrified Tree Exhibits✦ Scenic Overlooks of Escalante River Valley
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fee required; Annual park passes available

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Wide Hollow Campground

Located near Wide Hollow Reservoir, offering easy access to water activities and park trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Tropic
⌖ 28.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tropic, Utah

A quaint gateway to Bryce Canyon, offering thrilling desert landscapes and unforgettable adventures.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Cannonville
⌖ 28.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cannonville, Utah

A small southern Utah town that's gateway to rugged, breathtaking landscapes ideal for adventure sports enthusiasts.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Bryce Canyon City
⌖ 30.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bryce Canyon City, Utah

A small, gateway hub full of vibrant desert landscapes and thrilling outdoor escapades near Bryce Canyon National Park.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Big Water
⌖ 34.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Big Water, Utah

A rugged desert gateway that offers access to iconic red rock landscapes, water adventures, and remote backcountry trails.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Marysvale
⌖ 58.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marysvale, Utah

A rugged gateway town that offers access to dramatic canyons, world-class mountain biking, and rich historical landscapes in southern Utah’s wilderness.

Late spring through early fallExplore Town
Page
⌖ 58.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Page, AZ

A desert town providing a gateway to iconic landscapes and thrilling water-based adventures in the American Southwest.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.