Old Faithful giant petrified log
Old Faithful giant petrified log
Highlight • Natural Monument
Old Faithful giant petrified log
Hiking
5.0
(15)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
May 24, 2023
Hiking
January 9, 2020
Hiking
May 4, 2020
Hiking
•
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Old Faithful giant petrified log
10
hikers
1.43km
00:27
10m
10m
Step onto the Giant Logs Trail and immerse yourself in a prehistoric landscape where massive, rainbow-hued petrified logs lie scattered across the high desert. This easy 0.9-mile (1.4 km) loop, with just 38 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, offers a captivating journey through ancient forests turned to stone. You'll encounter the famous "Old Faithful" log, a true giant, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding badlands, making it a perfect family-friendly outing that takes around 27 minutes.
To plan your visit, head to the Rainbow Forest Museum & Visitor Center, where the trail begins right behind the building. Parking is readily available there. This interpretive trail is best explored with a guide from the museum, which helps you understand the geological wonders at each numbered marker. Consider an afternoon visit; the west-facing overlook provides a fantastic spot to catch a desert sunset.
This trail is renowned for showcasing some of the largest and most colorful petrified wood in Petrified Forest National Park, offering a vivid glimpse into the Triassic period. The vibrant reds, yellows, purples, and blacks of the logs are a testament to the diverse minerals present during fossilization. It serves as an excellent introduction to the park's unique geology for anyone entering from the south, providing a memorable experience of these ancient natural features.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,670 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Thursday 20 August
35°C
18°C
43 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December