Petrified Tree
A rare, standing petrified redwood, offering a unique glimpse into Yellowstone's ancient, prehistoric past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Petrified Tree
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare, standing petrified redwood, offering a unique glimpse into Yellowstone's ancient, prehistoric past.
"Interesting to see a petrified redwood in Yellowstone. It's a quick park and few minute walk on a easy walkway."
📸 Quick Photo Op
It's a short walk to the tree, perfect for a quick photo and a moment of reflection. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Easy Access Trail
The path to the petrified tree is an easy, short walk, suitable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Standing Petrified Tree
Near Tower Junction
Witness a single, ancient redwood preserved in stone, a silent testament to Yellowstone's prehistoric past.
Ancient Redwood History
Interpretive signs near the tree
Learn how this massive tree transformed into stone over millions of years.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Stop with Ancient Roots
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Fossils
Where is the best place in Yellowstone to find or see fossils. Obviously I doubt we would be able to collect any, but we would just like to see some. We are going to Bozeman museum of the Rockies but is their anywhere else we might see them in situ? I've also found the fossil…
📸 Quick Photo Op
It's a short walk to the tree, perfect for a quick photo and a moment of reflection. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Easy Access Trail
The path to the petrified tree is an easy, short walk, suitable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
Visited a 50 million year old petrified redwood at Yellowstone. One fenced in out of hundreds if not thousands of specimens in the park. Sucks that people are so self-indulged and had to chip away souvenirs, just go buy a piece of petrified wood in a shop.
Recently went to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, what is this called/where in the park is it? Also if you think the old trees are cool obviously sequoia park should be on your list. Just did that a few weeks back.
YELLOWSTONES WORST KEPT SECRET
Hey ‘stoners! Just got back from a magical 8 day trip to Yellowstone. It was my first time and I did my research before, and let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised by the HIGHLIGHT of the park. Old Faithful was cool, more of an Americana thing, but still spectacular. Grand…
🐻 Wildlife Potential
Keep an eye out for wildlife in the surrounding areas; it's a great spot for unexpected encounters. 🐻
🚗 Roadside Attraction
This is a classic roadside stop, best combined with drives to Tower or Lamar Valley. 🚗
YNP petrified forest
Next time we go my wife and I are hiking there! Just seeing the one off the road is not enough considering how awesome these trees are and how old they are!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Quick Photo Op
It's a short walk to the tree, perfect for a quick photo and a moment of reflection. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Easy Access Trail
The path to the petrified tree is an easy, short walk, suitable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
🐻 Wildlife Potential
Keep an eye out for wildlife in the surrounding areas; it's a great spot for unexpected encounters. 🐻
🚗 Roadside Attraction
This is a classic roadside stop, best combined with drives to Tower or Lamar Valley. 🚗
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Petrified Tree to be an interesting, albeit brief, stop in Yellowstone, offering a unique glimpse into ancient history. While some find it less exciting than other park attractions, its educational value and the rarity of a standing petrified tree are appreciated as a quick, worthwhile detour.
"The Petrified Tree is a quick, easy stop with a fascinating glimpse into Yellowstone’s ancient past. Though only one tree is on display (fenced off), the history is compelling. Best as a short detour on your way to Tower or Lamar Valley. It is a nice short walk if the road is closed."
Ben Nicholson
"Interesting to see a petrified redwood in Yellowstone. It's a quick park and few minute walk on a easy walkway. Wasn't crowded at all and you'll probably not spend more than a few minutes there.
Not the most exciting or photogenic thing to see in Yellowstone, but was interesting to read the story of how it became and how they've managed to preserve what's Left of it."
LeWayne Ballard
"Good, rustic start to a quiet trail loop. Minimal parking, but minimal crowds. The concept on a standing petrified tree is pretty cool once you arrive."
Sam Keske
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Petrified Tree is located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, accessible via the Grand Loop Road. It's a roadside attraction, typically visited on the way to or from Tower-Roosevelt or Lamar Valley. Parking is available nearby, and it's a short walk from the parking area to the tree itself.
Yes, it's a well-marked roadside attraction. Look for the signs along the Grand Loop Road. It's a straightforward stop for most visitors.
You can drive to the parking area adjacent to the Petrified Tree. From there, it's a short, easy walk to view the tree.
The Petrified Tree is situated between Tower-Roosevelt and the Lamar Valley, making it a convenient stop when exploring these popular wildlife viewing areas.
No, public transportation is not available to the Petrified Tree. A personal vehicle is necessary to access this location within Yellowstone National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a separate ticket to see the Petrified Tree. Access is included with your Yellowstone National Park entrance fee.
The Petrified Tree is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, road closures due to snow can affect access in winter months.
The Petrified Tree is within Yellowstone National Park, so you will need to pay the standard park entrance fee.
No, the Petrified Tree is fenced off and protected. Visitors are not allowed to touch or climb on it to preserve it for future generations.
Most visitors spend only 10-15 minutes at the Petrified Tree, as it's a quick stop to view the tree and read the interpretive signs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is a single, large, standing petrified redwood tree. Interpretive signs explain its geological history and how it became fossilized.
The trail to the Petrified Tree is a very easy, short, and flat walk from the parking area. It's accessible for most visitors.
While interesting, it's considered a minor attraction compared to geysers or wildlife viewing. It's best viewed as a quick, educational stop.
Restroom facilities are typically not available directly at the Petrified Tree site. You may find them at nearby picnic areas or visitor centers.
The Petrified Tree in Yellowstone is a petrified redwood, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient flora of the region.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer people, making for better photographic opportunities. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Yes, the unique sight of a standing petrified tree against the Yellowstone landscape provides interesting photographic subjects.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the tree and its surroundings. Including the interpretive signs can add context.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yellowstone National Park, including at the Petrified Tree, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
Use a tripod for stability, especially in lower light. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the entire tree and its environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit