Escalante State Park features vast deposits of the most beautiful petrified wood found anywhere. A few samples may be seen in the campground. For the best viewing, follow the Wide Hollow Trail from the campground up a hillside wooded with pinion pine and juniper. Allow 45 to 60 minutes for the one-mile round trip hike. The 30-acre Wide Hollow Reservoir, located partially within park boundaries, offers great fishing for rainbow trout and bluegill.
Many visitors like to swim in the cool water.
Others enjoy lounging on sunny shores or watching the many species of birds and waterfowl. The Escalante area is a veritable wonderland of scenic beauty. Vickie Houser is an Information Specialist for the Utah State Parks and Recreation Division. This Scenic Highway begins at US Highway 89 near Panquitch in southern Utah and ends at Torrey, near Capitol Reef National Park and is recognized as one of the country's most beautiful drives. The highway traverses over 120 miles, providing spectacular views of red rock canyons, slickrock, and forested mountainsides.