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:
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
📸 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.
YELLOWSTONES WORST KEPT SECRET
🐻 Wildlife Potential
Keep an eye out for wildlife in the surrounding areas; it's a great spot for unexpected encounters. :bear:
🚗 Roadside Attraction
This is a classic roadside stop, best combined with drives to Tower or Lamar Valley. :car:
YNP petrified forest
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. :bear:
🚗 Roadside Attraction
This is a classic roadside stop, best combined with drives to Tower or Lamar Valley. :car:
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Geology Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Stone: Petrified Wood
Yellowstone's Petrified Tree is a petrified redwood, indicating that this region was once a lush forest environment, vastly different from its current landscape. The fact that it's a standing petrified tree is particularly rare and impressive, as most petrified wood is found as fragments or logs. This preservation allows us to study the ancient cellular structure of the tree, providing invaluable insights into prehistoric ecosystems and climate.
Understanding the geological processes behind petrified wood helps appreciate the immense timescale involved. It’s a slow transformation, a testament to nature's ability to preserve remnants of the past. For visitors, it’s a tangible connection to a world that existed long before humans, a true window into Earth's ancient history.
A Brief Stop with Big Impact
Many visitors find it to be a compelling detour, especially when traveling between the popular wildlife viewing areas of Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley. It’s a chance to break up a drive and engage with a different facet of Yellowstone’s natural history. The interpretive signs provide context, transforming a simple walk to a fenced-off tree into an educational experience about ancient forests and geological processes.
While it might not offer the dramatic spectacle of Old Faithful or the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, the Petrified Tree provides a quiet moment of contemplation. It’s a reminder of the park's deep past and the dynamic geological forces that have shaped it over millennia. For those interested in paleontology or simply curious about the ancient world, it’s a worthwhile, albeit brief, addition to any Yellowstone itinerary.
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