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NatureWeather & Natural Phenomena

Wyoming’s Petrified Tree Is One Of The Oldest Natural Wonders In America

Yellowstone National Park's Petrified Tree is a preserved relic from a 55-million-year-old redwood forest, accessible via a short trail or the Lost Lake Loop hike.

Published May 21, 2021

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland! While most people know Yellowstone is home to the world's largest collection of thermal features - hot pots, geysers, springs, and terraces - there are so many more natural wonders in the park that get overlooked. One off-the-beaten-path spot is home to some of the oldest relics in America, and to see them, you've got to head out to the Petrified Forest.

Wyoming's Petrified Tree is part of the park's historic Petrified Forest, where a huge strand of towering redwoods once stood, 55 million years ago.

A wide, open landscape with dry grass, shrubs, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
AllTrails / Justin Hostler

The Petrified Tree itself is the most famous of these former giants, and it has been preserved by the park and set aside for nature lovers to witness for years to come.

A tall, weathered rock formation surrounded by a metal fence, set against a backdrop of green grass and trees.
Tripadvisor / ThreeWiseMen1998

The tree is fenced off to protect it from harm, and an interpretive sign at the site tells more about the history of this tree within the park's ecosystem.

Sign about a petrified tree, featuring an image and information, surrounded by tall grass.
AllTrails / Tim Ackelmire

While most people access the Petrified Tree by taking a short access road directly to it, you can also add it as a stop on your Lost Lake hike from Tower Junction.

Signpost indicating directions and distances to Lost Lake (0.2 mi), Roosevelt Lodge (0.6 mi), and Petrified Tree (1.1 mi).
AllTrails / Chris Walker

The Lost Lake Loop trail itself is just about three miles, and the Petrified Tree is less than 1/10th of a mile off your route. It's so worth the detour!

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees and a winding path, reflecting the sky and clouds above.
AllTrails / Julia Simms

It's hard to imagine the transformations in landscape that this tree has seen - it's a fossil of sorts, and was witness to Wyoming's prehistoric times and transformation over the last 55 million years.

A tall, weathered tree stump stands on a grassy slope, surrounded by a fence and trees under a clear blue sky.
AllTrails / Eric Martin

You can learn more about the history of the forest itself right here.

The easiest way to get to the tree is the Petrified Tree Trail, a short boardwalk that you can access by turning off of Grand Loop Road and onto Petrified Road. This trail is less than a tenth of a mile. You can make it a longer adventure by taking the Lost Lake Loop Trail from Tower Junction, which is just over three miles.

Occasionally, the area around the Petrified Tree is closed or access is limited due to bear activity. Be sure to check the Yellowstone Bear Closure site before heading out on your adventure.

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