Petrified Forest State Park offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into Earth's ancient past with its vast deposits of petrified wood. This Utah park combines history, geology, and outdoor recreation within its unique landscape.
Petrified Forest State Park is located in southern Utah, known for its significant accumulations of petrified wood scattered throughout the area, remnants from a prehistoric forest. Found near the town of Escalante, the park offers a myriad of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing against a stunning backdrop of multicolored rock formations. The park's history is rich, extending back millions of years when the region was a lush forest of towering trees, which natural processes transformed into stunning stone logs over epochs. Visitors enjoy the variety of fossils and geological formations revealing the changes in climate and geography over the millennia. The park is a gateway to exploring other nearby attractions, including the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. With several trails, a reservoir for water activities, and campgrounds, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility in Utah's rugged wilderness.
The Petrified Forest Loop Trail, showcasing ancient petrified logs and scenic views.
Wide Hollow Reservoir, popular for fishing and paddle sports.
Geological wonders highlighting millions of years of earth history.
Abundant opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Fossilized remains of trees that lived over 150 million years ago, now transformed into beautiful stone.
A scenic spot providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
A well-marked trail taking visitors on a journey through geological time with many petrified wood specimens.