Escalante State Park

Escalante State Park is home to a beautiful petrified forest. Originally this area was discovered in the 1870s by Almon Harris Thompson, a member of John Wesley Powell's survey party that first explored the area. He named what he found after a famous explorer named Escalante, which roughly translates to "upward movement" or "staircase." This was meant to describe the surrounding plateaus that line more the landscape. 

The Escalante State Park officially opened for business in 1976 and has been steadily receiving upgrades ever since. In the early 1950s, Wide Hollow Reservoir was built, providing irrigation for the entire town of Escalante. This reservoir is very popular for boating and fishing and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and bluegill among other types of aquatic life. 

Jet skis and other high-speed watercraft are frequently brought here as well. A visitor's center was constructed here in the 90s that houses many museum exhibits regarding the ancient history of the gorgeous landscape. Many of the fossils found throughout the years are housed here, as well as examples of geological formations and ancient aquatic impressions. 

If you like to get out on the trails with your canine, you can feel free to enjoy one of the thirteen that wind their way through the Escalante State Park. The most popular of these is the Petrified Forest Trail, a 1-mile loop that provides stunning glimpses of ancient lava flows, as well as the bulk of the petrified wood forests that are part of this park's namesake. 

These trails are entirely open to dogs, provided they stay on an 8-foot leash or shorter. Doggie cleanup stations can be located at several of the trail entrances. No full campsites exist here for overnight guests. However, 22 "traditional" sites offer a rustic experience. Canines can accompany campers provided they stay on leash thought the evening. These sites are unavailable for rental, so show up early if you are looking to get your spot for the night.