Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: Camping, Trails, Quiet Lake

When we rolled into Escalante on our fall road trip, we were looking for a campground that was central to all the hikes and scenic backroads we planned to explore. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park turned out to be the perfect choice — quiet, beautiful, and close to everything on our list. Because we visited in the off-season, finding a campsite was easy, but in peak season you’ll definitely want to reserve ahead.

Large petrified tree trunk lying intact along the trail in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, showing vivid mineral colors and preserved wood texture. — A beautifully preserved petrified trunk lying along the trail, with clear growth rings still visible after millions of years.

This little state park surprised us in the best way. It sits along the shoreline of Wide Hollow Reservoir, a bright blue lake surrounded by desert mesas and rolling hills. Just above the campground are two short, scenic loop hikes: the Petrified Forest Loop and the Sleeping Rainbow Loop. Both connect and are easy to combine, making this one of the most enjoyable short hiking spots in the entire Escalante area.

Park Fees & Camping Costs (Quick Guide)

Day-Use Fees:

$10 per vehicle
$5 for Utah resident seniors (62+)
$5 per person for commercial groups

Camping Fees:

Standard sites (Loop A): $30/night
Partial hookups (water + electric, Loop A): $40/night
Full hookups (Loops B & C): $60/night
Tent sites (Loop B, electricity at site, water nearby): $30/night
Dump station: $15 (not included in campsite fee)

Seasonal Note:

Showers are closed mid-November through mid-March.
Non-campers may shower for day-use fee + $5 per person.

Our First Morning Hike

We started from the campground and walked directly to the trailhead. The trail climbs steeply at first, but the views of the lake and the state park unfold quickly and give you plenty of reasons to pause. At the top of that initial climb, the Petrified Forest Loop officially begins. We turned left and continued uphill through a mix of juniper, sage, and open desert terrain. Within minutes, we spotted our first piece of petrified wood — something we expected to be interesting, but not nearly as colorful or detailed as what we found. We could see the original growth rings, textures, and mineral colors that turned ordinary tree trunks into striking stone.

And from there, we saw petrified wood everywhere.

Colorful petrified wood along the Petrified Forest Loop Trail in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, showing purple, gold, and red mineralized patterns. — The colors in the petrified wood are stunning up close — deep purples, reds, golds, and clear mineral patterns.

🌲 How the Petrified Wood Was Formed

The colorful petrified wood in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park began as ancient trees that lived more than 100 million years ago. After floods and shifting landscapes buried them under layers of sediment, the wood was sealed off from oxygen and didn’t decay. Instead, mineral-rich groundwater slowly replaced the organic material cell by cell — a process called permineralization. Over time, the trees turned to stone, preserving growth rings, bark textures, and vibrant colors created by iron, manganese, and silica.

Trail Overview

The hikes in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are perfect if you’re looking for something easy-to-moderate, scenic, and family-friendly. Both loops start from the same point and can be combined without much extra effort.

Hiker standing beside a large petrified log on the Sleeping Rainbow Loop, overlooking Wide Hollow Reservoir in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.

Petrified Forest Loop

This loop is the most popular and climbs gradually to a plateau above the lake. It’s here that you’ll first encounter the colorful petrified wood. The loop winds through desert vegetation and scattered rock formations as you continue to climb toward the interior of the park.

Sleeping Rainbow Loop

At the far end of the Petrified Forest Loop, the Sleeping Rainbow spur branches off. This section is rockier and contains the greatest concentration of petrified wood — much of it vibrant red, gold, and purple. The colors truly pop in the morning and late afternoon light.

We unintentionally hiked the loops in a figure-eight, but honestly, any direction works and feels natural.

🥾 Trail Details

Distance: 1.0 mile (Petrified Forest Loop) + 0.85 mile (Sleeping Rainbow Loop)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~200 feet
Type: Loop (with an optional connecting loop)
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and vibrant colors

Wide Hollow Campground sits right below the trail, offering easy access to hiking, lake views, and golden fall color.

Camping at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

We stayed in the Wide Hollow Campground, which ended up being one of our favorite state park campgrounds in Utah. Many sites overlook the lake or the surrounding hills. The campground is clean, quiet, and extremely convenient — the trailhead for both loops starts right from the campground road.

Campground Highlights

Spacious, level sites (some with lake views)
Clean bathrooms and showers
Easy walk to the trailhead
Peaceful, scenic location
Close to the town of Escalante for groceries and supplies

If you’re road-tripping through Utah, this is an ideal overnight stop with just enough amenities without feeling crowded.

Lake Life at Wide Hollow Reservoir

Wide Hollow Reservoir is small but beautiful, especially in the early morning light. Activities include:

Kayaking & paddleboarding
Shoreline fishing
Picnicking
Photography
Short waterside walks

Even if you don’t get out on the water, the reservoir views from above on the Petrified Forest Loop are some of the prettiest in the park.

Visitor standing beside a long petrified tree trunk displayed along the interpretive trail at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. — The park’s interpretive display features a full petrified log and explains how these ancient trees turned to stone.

Why This State Park Makes a Perfect Base Camp

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is central to many of the area’s top attractions, including:

Lower Calf Creek Falls
Devils Garden (Escalante)
Scenic drives along Hole-in-the-Rock Road
Slot canyon adventures (Peekaboo, Spooky & Zebra)
The town of Escalante
It’s a peaceful home base with access to adventure, restaurants and relaxation.

💡 Tips for Visiting

Wear sturdy shoes — the first climb is steep and rocky.
Bring plenty of water; even short hikes can feel hot in full sun.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for petrified wood photos.
Stay on trail — it protects both the fragile wood and the desert landscape.
If you’re camping in peak season, reserve in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take petrified wood home?
No. All wood is protected and must remain in the park.

Are the trails kid-friendly?
Yes. The loops are short, and kids typically enjoy spotting petrified wood along the way.

Is the trail easy to follow?
Very. Signs mark both loops clearly.

Can you swim in the reservoir?
Swimming is allowed, but most visitors stick to kayaking or paddleboarding due to cool water temps.

Final Thoughts

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is a quiet, beautiful gem in the heart of Utah’s canyon country. Whether you’re here for a night or a full weekend, this state park offers great camping, scenic lake views, colorful geological history, and one of the easiest, most rewarding hikes in the area. It’s an ideal stop on any southern Utah road trip — and a place we’d happily camp again.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: Camping, Hiking and Lake Life