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Escalante Petrified Forest
Overview
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers a captivating blend of ancient history and outdoor recreation. Located along the iconic Scenic Byway 12, this destination is famous for its multicolored petrified wood and the expansive Wide Hollow Reservoir. Unlike standard roadside stops, this park provides a tranquil setting where travelers can immerse themselves in the high desert landscape. It serves as an essential gateway for those navigating the rugged beauty of Southern Utah.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside the town of Escalante, Utah, the park is surrounded by the vast Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The location is defined by its dramatic mesas, deep canyons, and high-altitude plateaus. The park itself sits on the edge of a clear reservoir, providing a stark, beautiful contrast to the arid red rock environment. Its position makes it a perfect midpoint for those traveling between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks.
Amenities & Park Features
The Wide Hollow Campground provides well-maintained facilities for RVers. Most sites are spacious and designed as pull-throughs to accommodate larger rigs. Several sites include electric and water hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay in the desert climate. Visitors have access to a central dump station, clean restrooms, and hot showers. For recreation, the park features a boat ramp and a visitor center that showcases fossilized remains and dinosaur bones found in the local region.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the Petrified Forest Trail, a loop that leads hikers through deposits of fossilized wood. For a more challenging trek, the Sleeping Rainbows Trail offers steeper climbs and vibrant specimens. Water enthusiasts can enjoy paddling or fishing on the reservoir, which is stocked with rainbow trout and bluegill. Beyond the park gates, the slot canyons of Hole-in-the-Rock Road and the unique formations of Devil’s Garden are just a short drive away.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who value scenic solitude and direct access to hiking trails. It is a fantastic choice for photographers and geology enthusiasts who want to be steps away from ancient wonders. RVers looking for a quiet, nature-focused basecamp rather than a bustling commercial resort will find this state park perfectly fits their travel style. It is best suited for those seeking a genuine connection to Utah's wild interior.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ryan Saunders
Beautiful play to hike around. Unfortunately we got here close to sunset so we didn't get a chance to explore much. I will definitely be back when I have more time
Mary Ann Hinrichs
Pretty extensive grouping of petrified trees. The hike is moderate and a couple miles round trip. There are 14 placards along the trail explaining certain features. At the top, there are views of the old Mormon township and the mountains beyond. $10 per vehicle.
Stephan Kinholt
Not sure how we found this little place just outside Escalante. It is well worth the $10 entry fee. Nice well marked and maintained trail through the Petrified Forest. It's a fairly short loop, maybe a little over a mile? There is an extension you can do called the Rainbow Loop. While it is a little steep going down and then back up, it's well worth it because this is where you'll see the best and most abundant sample of petrified wood. They have a visitor Center and gift shop. A nice park area with playground and places for people to camp.
Kevin Ellsworth
Beautiful place. The hike definitely had steep parts, but wasn't too bad. The rainbow loop is definitely worth it to see a lot more prettified wood than the main trail. Restrooms at the campground are the best I've seen.
Jacque Wertz
Best campsites I've ever seen. We stopped here on a long RV trip from Illinois and we caught so many fish. They hit everything and were huge. I would keep it a secret but I live too far away to come back! Water level is low so we fished off the dam.