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 60 miles.

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, Utah
⌖ 28.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tropic, Utah

Tropic, Utah is a delightful base for exploring the stunning desert landscapes of Bryce Canyon. With hiking, stargazing, and photography opportunities, it's the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Cannonville, Utah
⌖ 28.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cannonville, Utah

Cannonville, Utah, a hidden gem for outdoor lovers, offers access to breathtaking desert landscapes and adventure sports like hiking, mountain biking, and canyoneering in world-renowned parks.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Bryce Canyon City, Utah
⌖ 30.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bryce Canyon City, Utah

Bryce Canyon City is your gateway to outdoor adventure, from stunning hikes and stargazing to exhilarating ATV rides. Explore the surreal landscapes for an unforgettable experience.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Big Water, Utah
⌖ 34.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Big Water, Utah

Big Water, Utah is a desert adventurer’s gateway to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon’s striking red rock canyons. Here, boating, hiking, off-roading, and stargazing come alive in a remote setting full of wild beauty.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Marysvale, Utah
⌖ 58.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marysvale, Utah

Marysvale, Utah, is a rugged adventure hub with legendary mountain biking, serene fishing spots, and hidden caves. Surrounded by towering canyons and forested peaks, it offers an inviting base to challenge trails, climb cliffs, or relax beside mountain streams.

Late spring through early fall
Explore Town
Page, Arizona
⌖ 58.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Page, Arizona

Page, Arizona is a gateway to some of the Southwest's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Explore the famous Antelope Canyon, paddle on Lake Powell, and marvel at the Horseshoe Bend for unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Spring and Fall
Explore 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.

Egypt Slot Canyon Rappelling Adventure
ADVEXPEDITION
Escalante, Utah
Ropes CourseADV Bookable

Egypt Slot Canyon Rappelling Adventure

Rappel through the breathtaking Egypt Slot Canyon in Escalante, Utah. Join ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co for a private, guided experience full of excitement and stunning rock views.

Ropes CourseCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Yellow Rock Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Page, Utah
Guided TourADV Bookable

Yellow Rock Tour

Discover the striking colors and challenging terrain of Yellow Rock on this 7-hour Utah adventure. Perfect for fit explorers seeking stunning photo opportunities and geological marvels.

Guided Tour$199 Adult | 7 HoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Horseback Riding
ADVEXPEDITION
Cannonville, Utah
HorseADV Bookable

Horseback Riding

Ride through Utah’s iconic Old West backcountry with Clear Sky Resorts, guided by world-class rodeo pros. Discover rugged cliffs, hidden geodes, and cowboy history on an unforgettable horseback adventure.

HorseAges 7+ • 1 Hours 30 Minutes • Must reserve in advance, no same day bookings!Certified Outfitter
From$100
Book Trip
Yoga
ADVEXPEDITION
Cannonville, Utah
WellnessADV Bookable

Yoga

Clear Sky Resorts in Cannonville, Utah blends energizing and restorative yoga sessions with stunning canyon vistas. Perfect for all levels, their classes offer a mindful wellness pause amidst Bryce Canyon’s iconic landscape.

WellnessCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip