Petrified Tree Trail

The Petrified Tree is a fascinating sight in Yellowstone National Park. This trail is short and may not be a grand adventure, but it is a super cool spot to visit on your trip to the park. Even though this is not a long hike, be aware of wildlife in the area. Ensure that your hiking party is familiar with bear safety protocols before heading out on the trails. If you see wild animals, do not feed them; please admire all wildlife from a safe and respectful distance.

The Petrified Tree Trail is a great place to stretch your legs and check out a piece of natural history. This trail is family-friendly and easy for hikers of all ages and abilities. The Petrified Tree itself is a Redwood from over 50 million years ago when the Yellowstone Area was a lush region full of diverse plant life. A series of volcanic eruptions buried the forests of Yellowstone, and the silica from these eruptions preserved the trees under ash and rock. Through the process of erosion, these trees are emerging from the landscape as relics of a different time. These days, the Petrified Tree is fenced in because of the theft and vandalism of other trees in the park. Please be respectful of this piece of Natural History so the Petrified Tree can be studied and appreciated by future generations.

To hike to the Petrified Tree, begin at the parking area along Petrified Road and follow the trail northwest for just a few hundred feet to the site of the Petrified Tree.

Check out the info panels at the Petrified Tree and take a moment to admire this incredible piece of natural history before heading back to the parking lot and on to the next adventure.

Trail Highlights

Petrified Tree

The Petrified Tree in Yellowstone National Park is a Redwood tree from approximately 50 million years ago when the Yellowstone Area was a lush forested region full of diverse plant life. A series of volcanic eruptions some 50 million years back buried these forests of Yellowstone, and the silica from these eruptions preserved the giant redwood trees under ash and volcanic rock. Through the process of erosion, these trees have emerged from the landscape as relics of a different era. On your visit to the Petrified Tree Trail, you will notice that the Petrified Tree itself is fenced in. Unfortunately, other petrified trees in the park were vandalized and even stolen piece by piece, so the National Park Service has taken measures to preserve what is left. Please be respectful of this piece of Natural History so the Petrified Tree can continue to be studied and appreciated by future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the petrified tree in Yellowstone?

The petrified tree in Yellowstone is an ancient Redwood Tree.

How old is the petrified tree in Yellowstone?

The petrified tree in Yellowstone National Park is approximately 50 million years old.