The Small-Town State Park in Utah Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Overshadowed by the nearby Mighty Five, there is a small-town state park in Utah that is a true hidden gem—Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Just outside of the small town of Escalante, this park isn’t large, but it’s full of fascinating history, unique natural wonders, and remarkable Southern Utah scenery. It’s a place that locals love and like to keep to themselves, and it’s easy to see why.

Why Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Stands Out

Escalante is a small town that outdoor lovers can’t seem to get enough of. With nearly 900 residents, this tiny town is best known as the gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, is a favorite stop on Scenic Byway 12, and is near popular slot canyons and my favorite Utah waterfall—Lower Calf Creek Falls.

However, located less than a mile outside of town is one of the most underrated state parks in Utah. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is not a large park, but it’s home to petrified conifer logs believed to date back 155 million years ago to the Jurassic period, which you can get close to and admire.

But this hidden state park in Utah is more than just a petrified forest; it is also home to Wide Hollow Reservoir. This body of water was created in 1954 as a way to provide irrigation to Escalante. Today, it’s a place where you’ll see locals enjoying water spots and even trying their luck with some fishing. Wide Hollow Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, and due to its remote location, it’s the perfect place for a quiet day on the water.

What You’ll Experience at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park  

When you visit this state park, I recommend starting at the park’s visitor center. Here, you can learn about the petrified wood, along with dinosaur bones and fossils found in the area. This is also a great place to dive deep into the unique history of this region.

Just make sure you don't forget your hiking boots to tackle a few of the trails in this southern Utah park. One of the most popular and family-friendly trails is the Petrified Forest Loop Trail. This easy hike is approximately one mile and gives you an up-close look at petrified wood of all sizes. Keep in mind that it is illegal to take any of the wood you find home with you. Be respectful of the land and everything you see as you explore here.

What to Know Before You Go

Escalante Petrified Forest is open annually with closures only on Christmas and New Year’s Day. While ideal for a day trip, there is a campground near the reservoir if you wish to turn your trip into an overnight adventure. Tent and full-hookup sites are available. Be prepared to pay small day-use and camping fees at this park.

While open year-round, summer is the busiest time at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, particularly if you want to spend some time at Wide Hollow Reservoir. You can visit the Utah State Parks website for information on the park's current conditions, including water levels, water temperatures, and algae status, to better plan your time here.

Growing up in southern Utah, I loved the many national parks that were just outside my door, but I also had a special place in my heart for the state parks, particularly the underrated destinations that were away from the crowds. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park has everything you need for the ideal southern Utah adventure: lake activities, hiking, camping, and fascinating natural wonders. No wonder locals want to keep this lesser-known state park in Utah all to themselves.