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The Petrified Forest: A Journey Through Time

Discover ancient giants turned to stone in Calistoga's Petrified Forest, a unique natural wonder showcasing millions of years of geological history.

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Explore the remains of a 3.4-million-year-old forest turned to stone by a volcanic eruption. Located in Calistoga, California, the Petrified Forest offers a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past with its giant petrified redwood trees and fascinating geological history.

A brief summary to The Petrified Forest

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Bring water, especially on warm days, as the area can get hot.
  • Check the official website for seasonal hours and special events.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the forest's history and geology.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Calistoga, head north on CA-128/Lincoln Avenue. Continue to follow CA-128 N for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Petrified Forest Road. The Petrified Forest will be on your right. Parking is available on-site. Parking is free.

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Discover more about The Petrified Forest

The Petrified Forest in Calistoga, California, is a remarkable site where visitors can walk among the petrified remains of ancient redwood trees. These trees, dating back 3.4 million years, were transformed into stone by a volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helena. The eruption knocked down the prehistoric redwood forest, and the thick layers of volcanic ash created an oxygen-deprived environment, preventing decomposition. Mineral-rich water percolated through the ash, saturating the trees' tissues with silica and creating three-dimensional fossils. The forest was discovered in 1870 by Charles Evans, a Swedish farmer, who stumbled upon a stone-like log while tending his pasture. Today, the Petrified Forest is a California Historical Landmark that has been operated by the same family since 1914. Visitors can explore the forest via two trails: the Main Trail, a half-mile loop showcasing the most notable petrified trees, and the Meadow Trail, which leads to views of Mount St. Helena and an ash fall. Notable trees include "The Queen," measuring 8 feet wide and 65 feet long, and "The Giant," which is 6 feet in diameter and 60 feet long. Robert Louis Stevenson, who visited the forest in 1880, is also honored with a tree named after him. The Petrified Forest offers a gift shop with rocks, minerals, and other nature-inspired items.

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