The best walks and hikes in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Embark on an easy hike along the Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbows Trail, a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop that takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. You will gain 389 feet (119 metres) in elevation as you wander through a unique "pygmy forest" of piñon pine and juniper trees. The route gradually climbs, offering expansive views of the distant Wide Hollow Reservoir and the striking pink cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park.

This trail starts and ends at the trailhead located within Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, where parking is readily available. While the path is generally accessible, be prepared for some uneven surfaces and a few steep sections, especially as you explore the Sleeping Rainbows loop. Remember that you are welcome to touch the ancient petrified wood specimens, but collecting or removing them from the park is strictly prohibited.

The highlight of your journey will be the dramatic display of petrified wood, particularly concentrated along the Sleeping Rainbows section of the trail. Here, you will discover a dense collection of petrified logs, showcasing an incredible spectrum of colors including vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples. This geological wonder provides a unique opportunity to connect with millions of years of natural history.

The Boulder Mail Trail offers a challenging hiking experience, covering 16.0 miles (25.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2410 feet (734 metres). This difficult route typically takes around 7 hours and 38 minutes to complete. You will journey through a diverse landscape, from juniper forests and slickrock expanses to sandy washes and sagebrush, encountering wide, white plateaus and domes.

Planning your hike requires attention to detail, as permits are necessary for accessing the Boulder Mail Trail. Be sure to secure yours in advance to avoid any issues. You should also be aware that certain sections of the trail, particularly within Death Hollow, may have poison ivy, so wearing long pants is a good idea. Navigation across slickrock areas demands careful observation of cairns, as the path can be easy to lose.

This historic trail is notable for its journey into and out of several canyons, including the particularly stunning Mamie Creek. Here, you will find tall pines and riparian grasses, offering a contrast to the surrounding desert. The route provides a deep immersion into the stark beauty and solitude of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Hike the Escalante River Trail, a difficult 24.7-mile route through a stunning canyon with frequent river crossings and natural bridges.

The Boulder Mail Trail and Death Hollow Loop offers a demanding hiking adventure, spanning 29.4 miles (47.3 km) with a significant elevation gain of 5348 feet (1630 metres). This difficult route, estimated to take 14 hours and 37 minutes, immerses you in diverse terrain. You will traverse juniper and pinyon pine forests, then navigate expansive Navajo sandstone slickrock. Expect dramatic descents into canyons like Death Hollow, where towering sandstone walls create an oasis with lush vegetation and deep pools. Keep an eye out for the Mamie Creek Natural Bridge, a distinctive landmark, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mesas. Be prepared for sections where you will walk in streambeds and challenging slickrock navigation, often guided by cairns.

Planning your trip on the Boulder Mail Trail and Death Hollow Loop requires careful preparation. If you intend to make it an overnight trip, remember that permits are required, so secure yours in advance. It is essential to carry ample water, as sources can be scarce along the route; consider bringing a water filter for natural water sources you might encounter. Also, be aware that poison ivy is abundant in Death Hollow, so wearing long pants and sleeves is highly recommended to protect yourself. Ensure you are well-equipped for a multi-day excursion into remote wilderness.

This trail is situated within the vast Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a region renowned for its unique geological formations and remote wilderness. The route's name, Boulder Mail Trail, hints at its historical significance as a former mail delivery path, adding a layer of heritage to your journey. You will experience the stark beauty of the desert landscape contrasted with the surprising lushness of canyon bottoms. The trail offers a deep dive into an ecosystem where ancient geological processes have sculpted a dramatic and challenging environment for hikers seeking solitude and adventure.