Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is a public state park in Utah near Escalante in Garfield County. Spanning 1,350 acres and established in 1976, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Utah |
| Nearest City | Escalante |
| County | Garfield |
| Park Size | 1,350 acres |
| Established | 1976 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (1400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is located near Escalante, Utah. The park’s coordinates are 37.7897, -111.6122.
Things to Do
Utah state parks showcase the dramatic red rock landscapes, ancient geology, and high desert beauty that define the American Southwest. Activities include hiking through slot canyons and across sandstone formations, mountain biking world-class desert singletrack, boating and water skiing on deep blue reservoirs surrounded by red cliffs, fishing for trophy trout in mountain streams, rock climbing sandstone towers, off-roading on designated trails, camping under spectacular starry skies, and exploring dinosaur track sites and ancient petroglyphs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the prime seasons for Utah parks, offering warm days, cool nights, and comfortable hiking conditions. Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat to desert parks (100°F+), though mountain parks and reservoirs remain pleasant. Winter is cold but beautiful, with snow-dusted red rock creating stunning photography. Many reservoir parks are popular for boating May through September. Flash flood risk peaks during summer monsoon season (July–August) — never enter slot canyons when rain threatens.
Visitor Tips
Utah state parks charge day-use fees of $10-$20 per vehicle. An annual pass ($75) covers all 44 state parks. Camping reservations through stateparks.utah.gov. Water is scarce at many desert parks — carry at least one gallon per person per day. Popular parks like Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley require reservations for day use on weekends. Cell service is nonexistent in remote southern Utah parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Utah state parks?
Day-use fees range from $10 to $20 per vehicle depending on the park. An annual pass costs $75 and covers all 44 Utah state parks. Camping fees are separate and range from $20-$40 per night.
Do I need a reservation for Dead Horse Point?
Yes, Dead Horse Point State Park now requires day-use reservations on weekends and holidays during peak season. Reservations can be made through stateparks.utah.gov. The park frequently reaches capacity.
What are the best state parks near Moab?
Dead Horse Point (dramatic canyon overlook) and Goblin Valley (alien rock formations) are the top state parks near Moab. Both are within 1-1.5 hours of town and offer stunning red rock scenery.
Is there cell service at Utah state parks?
Cell service is nonexistent or very limited at most remote southern Utah parks including Goblin Valley, Kodachrome Basin, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Download offline maps and inform someone of your plans before visiting.
Explore More Utah State Parks
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Utah. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Utah guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Escalante PF SP — 1,351 acres with petrified wood from 150-million-year-old Jurassic forests. Wide Hollow Reservoir (built by the CCC in 1954) provides recreation. The park’s slickrock, desert, and reservoir support mule deer, golden eagles, and collared lizards. Colorful petrified logs litter the hillsides.
Nearby Attractions
Escalante — adjacent — gateway to the Escalante River canyons. Grand Staircase-Escalante NM — surrounding. Scenic Byway 12 — through town.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Anasazi State Park Museum is a short drive away, and Anasazi State Park is a short drive away.
Park Location
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