🌤 Weather at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–76 °F | 50–92 °F | 26–81 °F | 19–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Escalante, 2 mi away, elevation 5,810 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
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.
⛺ Camping at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 22 sites — Modern 22-unit campground with tables, fire pits, barbecue grills, culinary water, restrooms with hot showers, sanitary disposal station. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | ReserveAmerica, 800-322-3770; park phone 435-826-4466. |
| Special sites | A group campsite is also available. |
Camping questions about Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Can you camp at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park?
Yes. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park has 22 campsites. Modern 22-unit campground with tables, fire pits, barbecue grills, culinary water, restrooms with hot showers, sanitary disposal station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park?
ReserveAmerica, 800-322-3770; park phone 435-826-4466.
Source: stateparks.utah.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide beach ban; rules vary by park - dogs are prohibited on the beach at Antelope Island, while Jordanelle has a designated area where dogs may swim off-leash
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in cabins and yurts at most parks (confirm with the park before reserving); additional lodging pet fees may apply
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No pet fee at standard campsites; additional fees apply for pets in cabins, yurts and cottages
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park-specific restrictions such as Antelope Island's Frary Peak Trail and Deer Creek water areas
Are dogs allowed at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park?
Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.utah.gov. More: Utah state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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