The best walks and hikes in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
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Hiking in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park leads through a landscape characterized by ancient petrified wood, colorful sandstone cliffs, and high mesas. The terrain features pinyon-juniper woodlands, lava flows, and offers views of Wide Hollow Reservoir. Erosion has exposed vibrant fossilized trees, which are a primary geological feature throughout the park.
Best hiking trails in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbows Trail, a 2.2 miles (3.5 km) trail that…
Last updated: July 21, 2026
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3.55km
01:05
120m
120m
Embark on an easy hike along the Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbows Trail, a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop that takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. You will…
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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hikers
25.7km
07:39
730m
730m
The Boulder Mail Trail offers a challenging hiking experience, covering 16.0 miles (25.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2410 feet (734 metres). This difficult route typically takes around…
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39.7km
11:49
1,150m
1,150m
Hike the Escalante River Trail, a difficult 24.7-mile route through a stunning canyon with frequent river crossings and natural bridges.
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47.3km
14:37
1,630m
1,680m
The Boulder Mail Trail and Death Hollow Loop offers a demanding hiking adventure, spanning 29.4 miles (47.3 km) with a significant elevation gain of 5348 feet (1630 metres). This difficult…
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The Petrified Forest Trail climbs steeply from the parking lot, with breathtaking views of Wide Hollow Reservoir before looping through a piñon-juniper woodland. Along the ridge, you'll see plenty of chunks of petrified wood—fossilized trees transformed by minerals over millions of years. The trail connects to Sleeping Rainbows Trail— a steeper loop with the park's densest concentration of beautiful and colorful petrified logs.
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Escalante Petrified Forest State Park preserves a stunning collection of fossilized trees, some over 135 million years old, scattered across a high desert mesa. Here, you'll see colorful logs turned to stone and panoramic views of Wide Hollow Reservoir. There are places to camp, canoe, hike, or ride through this beautiful area, making it a great place to spend a weekend just outside of Escalante.
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Petrified wood is a type of fossilized wood created when tree remains undergo a mineralization process, often involving replacement by stone. While individual pieces of petrified wood are common, this area features several large trunks shimmering in various colors. The hike through this area is stunning, offering many views of colorful, fossilized tree stumps, a rewarding experience.
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The Sleeping Rainbow Trail is a more challenging hike option due to its steep terrain and summer heat. Despite the difficulty, the trail rewards those who persist with views of large fossilized tree trunks. The steep beginning gives way to a mostly level path at the top, unless you continue onto the Sleeping Rainbow loop, which descends and climbs back up. For a less demanding walk, try the nearby Petrified Wood Cove Trail.
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From the lake, the path ascends a few meters, and within a short hike, visitors can spot the first petrified trees. Petrified Forest Trail is well-marked and features a mesa where fossilized wood, including large logs, can be seen. The visitor center shows fossils, petrified wood, and dinosaur bones over 150 million years old. The park also offers an optional, steeper trail, Sleeping Rainbows, for those seeking more physical channeling.
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Escalante River Trail leads all the way from Escalante in the west to UT-12 in the east along the river of the same name. Be prepared to walk in the river and get wet feet at some spots.
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Cliff House Arch is a natural arch along the Escalante River. It serves as a perfect combination with Escalante Natural Bridge, as both features are less than half a mile apart.
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The magnificent 130-foot-high Escalante Natural Bridge is one of the main sights along Escalante River. The hike from UT-12 can usually be done in about one hour and should not be missed when in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park?
Yes, dogs are permitted in most Utah State Parks, including Escalante Petrified Forest, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Please be mindful of the hot, exposed terrain and ensure your dog has plenty of water.
Which trail is best for families or those looking for an easy hike?
For an easier walk, consider the Petrified Wood Trail – Escalante Petrified Forest loop from Escalante. It's a relatively short 1.7-mile (2.8 km) path that still offers great opportunities to see the area's unique geological features without the steeper climbs of other trails.
What is the difference between the Petrified Forest Trail and the Sleeping Rainbows Trail?
The Petrified Forest Trail is a one-mile loop that provides a good introduction to the park's landscape. The Sleeping Rainbows Trail is a steeper, more rugged 0.75-mile extension of this loop. While more challenging, the Sleeping Rainbows section is known for having the highest concentration of colorful petrified wood.
Which trail offers the best views of Wide Hollow Reservoir?
Many of the trails that climb the mesas within the park offer panoramic views. The Petrified Forest Trail and Sleeping Rainbow Trail loop ascends to a viewpoint that provides excellent vistas of the reservoir and the town of Escalante below.
Is there a trail that goes to the Escalante Overlook?
Yes, the Escalante Overlook trail is a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) route. It's a relatively easy walk that leads to fantastic views over the expansive Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which borders the park.
What is the best time of year to hike in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park?
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for hiking in this area, offering pleasant temperatures. Summer can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning or later in the evening. Always carry plenty of water, regardless of the season.
Are there any long-distance or challenging hikes in the area?
For a more demanding, full-day adventure, you can explore trails in the adjacent national monument. The Mamie Creek Natural Bridge via Boulder Mail Trail is a difficult 16-mile (25.7 km) hike that showcases the rugged beauty of the wider region.
Can I go camping in the park?
Yes, the park features the Wide Hollow Campground, a well-regarded campground with sites for both RVs and tents. It's an excellent base for exploring the park's trails and the surrounding Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
What kind of geological features will I see on the trails?
The main attraction is the petrified wood from the Jurassic Period, with vibrant colors caused by minerals like iron and manganese oxides. The trails also wind through landscapes of colorful sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and a high-desert environment dotted with pinyon pines and junipers.
Are there other activities besides hiking in the park?
Absolutely. The park is centered around the 130-acre Wide Hollow Reservoir, which is popular for water-based activities. You can enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and bass, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. It's a great way to cool off after a hike.
What do other hikers enjoy most about this area?
The hiking routes in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning, colorful petrified wood and the panoramic views from the tops of the mesas. The combination of unique geology and scenic vistas is a consistent highlight.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, there is a main parking area near the visitor center and the Wide Hollow Campground which serves as the primary trailhead for the Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbows trails. A park entrance fee is required for access.
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