Finally stopped by this roadside attraction

The Tunnel Tree
This 120 foot long trunk segment is thought to be one of the best preserved petrified trees in the world. We could not see how far the tree goes into the "tunnel" that has been dug out.
User: Austin Explorer - 7/30/2023

Location: The Petrified Forest

Rating: 4stars
Difficulty: 2stars  Solitude: 2stars
Miles Hiked: 1.00 Mile  Elapsed Time: N/A

Comments:

Coppertone and I had passed by the Petrified Forest a couple of times in the past and always remarked we should visit someday.  Recently, we say that the park was up for sale.  Though the family that owns it appears to be looking for the "right" buyers, we have some concerns about how things might turn out.  If nothing else, we had better get our visit in while we can!

We start off our hike near the combined ticket booth and gift shop.  A very handy interpretive guide and trail map recommends a clockwise direction so we head left.

The trail surface will vary from packed dirt, gravel, pavement and "natural concrete".  The natural concrete is actually exposed volcanic ash that has solidified.  In general, the trail is easy to traverse with only a later paved segment providing a steep, but short, descent.

The guide's 21 markers provide insight into both petrified trees but also some currently living trees.  The main draw for the park are the petrified samples and there are plenty here.  Many of the trees felled here were ancestors of our modern day Redwoods so some of the long trunks are impressively large.

The Main Trail consists of a half mile loop.  All but one of the stations from the guide are situated along it.  The optional Meadow Trail adds another half mile (out and back) to the outing.  The end of the Meadow Trail provides nice views of the petrified forest's culprit, nearby Mount St. Helena.

We overheard a couple discussing when the volcano last erupted.  The husband indicated it last erupted in 1980.  Obviously, he was confusing Mount St. Helena with Mount St. Helens in Washington.  Imagine a catastrophic eruption in Napa Valley just a few decades ago!

After our enjoyable hike we stopped by the souvenir shop to buy a few things to remind us of our visit.  We really hope that we won't look back on these items in the future with nostalgia about a long gone attraction.



Log Photos
This Way
Trail View
Petrified Wood
The Giant
The Giant
Mount St. Helena
The Queen
Coppertone with tree chunks
The Tunnel Tree
Robert Louis Stevenson Tree
Recommended Item
Recommended Item The Creaky Knees Guide Northern California, 2nd Edition: The 80 Best Easy Hikes
Ann Marie Brown
List Price: $19.95 Your price: $15.95 Buy Now
Explore the beauty of Northern California’s natural landscape with this guide to 80 of the best easy-to-walk day hikes located throughout Northern California. From hikes just outside of San Francisco to long strolls in the Sierra Nevada, here are the 80 best easy day hikes in Northern California, perfect for aging baby boomers, seniors, those traveling with small children, and anyone else interested more in a stroll than a climb. Hikes include: Lady Bird Johnson Grove • McCloud Falls Trail • Pomo Canyon Trail • Table Rock • South Yuba Independence Trail • Tomales Point Trail • Purisima Redwoods Loop • Sardine Lakes Trail • Devils Postpile • Rainbow Falls • and more! Written in a personal but informative tone by outdoors expert Ann Marie Brown, The Creaky Knees Guide Northern California is a perfect resource anyone can use to explore the beauty of Northern California without breaking too much of a sweat. In addition to a full-trip description, each hike includes: • Clear, up-to-date driving directions • Elevation gains • Topographical map • Mileage and estimated hiking time • Trail conditions, effort level, best season, map references, exploring options, access, permits required, and where to find more information. Other titles in Creaky Knees easy hike series include Creaky Knees Oregon, Creaky Knees Washington, and Creaky Knees Arizona. Read more