Petrified Forest Trail

Route Description for Petrified Forest Trail

The Petrified Forest Trail is a phenomenal route that gives you a glimpse into the past of Yellowstone National Park. This route is challenging with a steep and consistent climb. Proper hiking footwear is essential for this trail, and we strongly recommend bringing along a set of hiking poles. The petrified forest trail is not well marked and can be difficult to navigate. We suggest downloading a map of the route beforehand to help you stay on track. The Petrified Forest Trail is a must-do on your visit to Yellowstone National Park for natural history lovers and curious minds. The trees along this trail are relics of a different time when this area was bursting with lush vegetation and dense forests of deciduous trees. Approximately 50 million years ago, violent volcanic activity in the park wiped out these forests and changed the ecological landscape forever. The trees seen along this trail were buried under ash and volcanic rock and preserved by the silica within the debris. Over time, erosion has chipped away at the landscape to reveal these trees, buried for centuries. On your visit to the petrified forest, please be respectful of this piece of natural history: take only photos and leave only footprints. Let’s work together to preserve this incredible region for future generations to study and enjoy.

To hike the Petrified Forest Trail, begin at the Fossil Forest Trailhead and follow the old service road south for about a hundred yards, then take the path on your right to hike up to the ridge. You will see multiple spur trails splitting off the ridge; stay on the ridge trail to hike through the petrified forest up to the overlook at the top.

At the top of the ridge, take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the incredible views of the valley below. Then, once you’ve caught your breath, return to the trailhead the way you came.