Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - United States
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About Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
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Best time to visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Late April through June and September through October are the most comfortable months, with daytime highs in the 60s to 80s F and cooler nights ideal for RV camping. Midsummer brings hot afternoons, strong sun, and occasional monsoon thunderstorms from July into early September, though the reservoir helps moderate the heat. Winter is quiet with freezing nights and possible snow, and some campground services may be reduced. Spring and fall also align well with visits to nearby Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Cold with possible snow, limited campground services
Cold nights, freezing temperatures common
Variable spring weather, wind possible
Pleasant days, chilly nights
Excellent shoulder-season camping
Warm and dry, peak visitation begins
Hot afternoons, monsoon thunderstorms possible
Monsoon season, flash flood risk on nearby canyon hikes
Ideal weather for RV travel
Cool nights, fall colors along Highway 12
Quiet shoulder season, freezing nights
Cold with possible snow, winterized services only
Things to do at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Petrified Forest Trail ModerateRV parking available
The Petrified Forest Trail is a roughly one-mile loop that climbs from the campground to the petrified wood beds on the ridge above Wide Hollow Reservoir. The trail gains about 250 feet and passes interpretive signs explaining the Late Jurassic fossil wood scattered along the slope. RV parking is available at the trailhead near the visitor center.
- Sleeping Rainbows Trail StrenuousRV parking available
Sleeping Rainbows Trail is a short spur extending from the main Petrified Forest Trail into an area with larger concentrations of colorful petrified wood. The additional loop adds about three quarters of a mile of rougher, steeper terrain. Visitors should stay on the path and leave all petrified wood in place.
- Wide Hollow ReservoirRV parking available
Wide Hollow Reservoir is a small lake at the base of the park offering fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and non-motorized and small motorized boating. Anglers target rainbow trout and bluegill from shore or small boats. A paved boat ramp and day-use area are set up to accommodate truck and trailer parking.
- Visitor Center and Fossil Display EasyRV parking available
The park visitor center features displays of petrified wood, dinosaur bone fragments, and marine fossils found on site. It serves as a good first stop for trail orientation and interpretive context before heading up to the fossil beds. Parking is suitable for motorhomes and trailers.
- Scenic Byway 12 Day TripsRV parking available
Scenic Byway 12 runs past the park entrance and is one of the most celebrated drives in the American Southwest. Using the park as a base, RV renters can make day trips to Calf Creek Falls, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and the viewpoints along the Hogback. Large rigs should consult grade and length advisories before continuing east past Boulder.
- Stargazing EasyRV parking available
The park's location away from major light sources makes it an excellent spot for stargazing on clear nights. The open campground and reservoir shoreline provide unobstructed views of the Milky Way during summer months. A red-filtered flashlight helps preserve night vision while walking between campsites.
- Swimming at Wide Hollow EasyRV parking available
Swimming is permitted in Wide Hollow Reservoir during warmer months, offering a refreshing break from desert hikes. There is no lifeguard, so visitors swim at their own risk. The shoreline near the day-use area provides the easiest water access for families.
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RV Rentals Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, UT, United States
How to get to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
The park is located just off Scenic Byway 12 on the west edge of Escalante, Utah, about 50 miles east of Bryce Canyon National Park and roughly 270 miles south of Salt Lake City, a drive of about four and a half hours. From Las Vegas it is about 280 miles, typically five hours via I-15 and US-89. RV drivers should plan for long remote stretches with limited fuel, and note that continuing east on Highway 12 crosses the Hogback ridge and steep grades near Boulder that are challenging for large rigs and towables. The nearest regional airports for fly-and-rent trips are Cedar City (CDC) and St. George (SGU), with Salt Lake City (SLC) and Las Vegas (LAS) as the main international options.
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