Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Just outside the town of Escalante, Utah, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is an ideal getaway ideal for your entire family. Explore the petrified forest, fish on the well-stocked lake or marvel at the extensive collection of dinosaur fossils at this Utah state park.

Mesozoic park

One of the most exciting things about this park is its wealth of dinosaur bones and petrified wood. To encounter these treasures in their natural state, hike the Petrified Forest Trail, a moderate-to-strenuous one-mile loop that takes you through a natural gallery of lava flows and pieces of wood that turned into stone. The Trail of Sleeping Rainbows, an optional loop off the Petrified Forest Trail, continues the journey into the past, as you scramble up steep hills and see the park's highest concentrations of petrified wood. If hiking is not your thing, you can also find an ample collection of fossils and petrified wood in the visitor center.

Enjoying the water

After your vigorous hike, you might want to spend some time doing more leisurely activities. Fortunately, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park features the Wide Hollow Reservoir, which is stocked with rainbow trout and bluegill. Fish from the shore or take a boat out on the lake. There is also a swimming beach, and sailboats are available to rent. If you want to stay overnight, camp on one of the park's various campgrounds.

This Utah state park, located 257 miles south of Salt Lake City, provides a unique opportunity to your family. Marvel with your children at the eons of history, and then enjoy the Wide Hollow Reservoir's numerous recreational options. Enjoy a walk back into the past at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.