Hike the Petrified Forest

The petrified forest in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

NPS Photo

Petrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route

Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward Camels Hump Lake and follow the clearly marked posts. This update helps maintain good cooperation with neighbors and respect park boundaries.
 

• Take Exit 10 towards Camels Hump Lake  

• Turn right and continue on CR -11  

• Take an immediate right and travel for 3.7 miles  

• Turn right onto 30th St SW and travel for 3.5 miles  

• Turn left onto Wannagan Creek Rd at Durham Ranch (Watch for Children sign present) and travel for 3.2 miles  

• Turn right onto 730 (no sign present) and travel for 4.4 miles  

• Turn left and travel 1 mile to the Petrified Forest trailhead  

• The trail starts at the lift gate behind the trailhead sign

From Medora, the drive to the Petrified Forest is approximately 50 minutes on dirt and gravel roads.

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Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to the third highest concentration of petrified wood in the United States. These geological wonders give context to the park's past, allowing hikers to travel back to a time when, instead of buttes and prairies, the landscape was dominated by massive trees and shallow swamps. 

The trail travels up out of the badlands onto a wide prairie where it splits, each section then dropping down into a valley containing the petrified stumps. Both sections of petrified wood are approximately 1.5 miles from the parking area. 

Hikers can continue past the petrified wood to complete the 10.4 mile loop or access other trails in the park. Additional water and supplies are recommended for this longer hike. 

It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any fossil, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well. 

Details

Duration

2-10 Hours

Hiking just to the petrified forest (either section) is a 3-mile out-and-back hike. The entire loop is 10.4 miles. 

Activity

Hiking

The hike to the petrified forest is on an unpaved trail which may occasionally have uneven ground or loose stone. Trail surfaces are not maintained. Proper footwear is recommended. There is little to no shade available on this trail; hikers should dress for the weather and wear sun protection. Hikers are advised to carry at least one liter of water per person, per hour, especially in the hot summer months. During the summer, ticks, flies, and other biting insects may be present along the trail. 

It is illegal to remove any resource from the park. Leave any fossils, rocks, or other objects where you find them for other visitors to enjoy.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. 

Location

Petrified Forest Trail

From Medora, the drive to the Petrified Forest is approximately 50 minutes on dirt and gravel roads.

• Take Exit 10 towards Camels Hump Lake  
• Turn right and continue on CR -11  
• Take an immediate right and travel for 3.7 miles  
• Turn right onto 30th St SW and travel for 3.5 miles  
• Turn left onto Wannagan Creek Rd at Durham Ranch (Watch for Children sign present) and travel for 3.2 miles  
• Turn right onto 730 (no sign present) and travel for 4.4 miles  
• Turn left and travel 1 mile to the Petrified Forest trailhead  
• The trail starts at the lift gate behind the trailhead sign

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Weather conditions may cause unstable or slippery conditions. Check with a ranger for current conditions. 

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

The Petrified Forest Trail is a remote, unpaved backcountry trail which includes steep slopes, uneven footing, and potentially unstable ground. Proper footwear is recommended. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.