Petrified Forest State Park wilderness guide
State Park · UT

Petrified Forest State Park

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.

State Park3,5002+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Petrified Forest State Park

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.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

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.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Petrified Forest State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ 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.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Petrified Forest State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Petrified Forest State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in 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 Petrified Forest State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Park entrance fees are required.

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 Petrified Forest State Park

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

Petrified Forest Campground

Located near the reservoir, offering easy access to water activities and trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Petrified Forest State Park

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

Tropic, Utah
⌖ 27.43 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
⌖ 27.81 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
⌖ 30.35 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
⌖ 57.69 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
⌖ 59.13 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 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