Petrified Loop

The Petrified Forest and Rainbow Loop climbs a steep ridge right out of the gate in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, then winds past petrified wood ranging from pebble-sized fragments to boulder-sized chunks worth sitting on for a break. It's a 2.2-mile loop, moderately challenging, and takes most hikers a little over an hour. An optional extension — the Sleeping Rainbows loop — adds about 0.75 miles of steeper scrambling and shows off some of the park's most colorful petrified wood.

What to know

• Day-use fee applies to enter Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
• Dogs are welcome on leash; best hiking conditions run March through November
• Popular with birders and casual hikers alike, so expect company on weekends