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Petrified Forest Loop
This trail winds through a remote area, but it's well worth the effort to see an untouched ancient landscape.
Plan Around Petrified Forest Loop
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Petrified Forest Loop Details
It's a little-known fact that Theodore Roosevelt National Park has the third-largest collection of petrified wood in the United States. The ancient Petrified Forest is located in the northwest corner of the South Unit, in a remote, untouched area of the wilderness. The 10-mile Petrified Forest Loop may be accessed by foot or horseback from a private road on its west side, or from the east near Peaceful Valley Ranch. There are two main concentrations of petrified wood: along the North Petrified Forest Trail and along the South Petrified Forest Trail. This area is remote, with no services, so bring adequate water, food, apparel, and sun coverage. It is prohibited to disturb or remove petrified wood or other rocks in the park.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
10 miles
Estimated time
6 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Petrified Forest Loop
Compare nearby parks around Petrified Forest Loop when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Petrified Forest Loop
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Petrified Forest Loop while the map context is still fresh.
3.8 mi away
Lone Tree Loop
Remote trail in the northwest wilderness area of the South Unit near the petrified forest.
4.7 mi away
Cottonwood Campground
A Wheelchair-accessible campground on the west side of the park along the Little Missouri River.
5.0 mi away
Maah Daah Hey Trail
A 96-mile trail connecting all three units of the park.
5.4 mi away
Peaceful Valley Ranch
Established in 1918, this was one of the first dude ranches in the area.
5.4 mi away
Beef Corral Bottom
A large cattle corral from the late 1800s has now become a prairie dog town.
