Easy hikes and walks in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area
4.4
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586
hikers
14
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Easy hiking trails in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area traverse a remote and undeveloped landscape within southern Utah's Kaiparowits Plateau. The region is characterized by the Straight Cliffs escarpment, rising 2,000 feet, and numerous deep, forested canyons. Expansive high-elevation tablelands, sandstone cliffs, and slickrock formations contribute to the diverse terrain. This environment offers opportunities for primitive recreation, including hiking and backpacking.
Best easy hiking trails in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area
- The most popular easy hiking route is Petrified Forest…
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.7
(18)
180
hikers
3.55km
01:05
120m
120m
Embark on an easy hike along the Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbows Trail, a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop that takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. You will…
4.8
(4)
103
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1.35km
00:21
10m
10m
Hike the easy 0.8-mile Devils Garden Trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to see unique rock formations and natural arches.
6
hikers
4.29km
01:08
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Petrified Forest Trail climbs steeply from the parking lot, with breathtaking views of Wide Hollow Reservoir before looping through a piñon-juniper woodland. Along the ridge, you'll see plenty of chunks of petrified wood—fossilized trees transformed by minerals over millions of years. The trail connects to Sleeping Rainbows Trail— a steeper loop with the park's densest concentration of beautiful and colorful petrified logs.
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Escalante Petrified Forest State Park preserves a stunning collection of fossilized trees, some over 135 million years old, scattered across a high desert mesa. Here, you'll see colorful logs turned to stone and panoramic views of Wide Hollow Reservoir. There are places to camp, canoe, hike, or ride through this beautiful area, making it a great place to spend a weekend just outside of Escalante.
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The trail out to Zebra Slot Canyon is an easy 2.5 miles but can feel longer due to the sandy washes you'll be walking in. That being said, the payoff at the end is worth it! If the water isn't too deep you'll get to see the striped walls that give the slot canyon its name.
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Petrified wood is a type of fossilized wood created when tree remains undergo a mineralization process, often involving replacement by stone. While individual pieces of petrified wood are common, this area features several large trunks shimmering in various colors. The hike through this area is stunning, offering many views of colorful, fossilized tree stumps, a rewarding experience.
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The Sleeping Rainbow Trail is a more challenging hike option due to its steep terrain and summer heat. Despite the difficulty, the trail rewards those who persist with views of large fossilized tree trunks. The steep beginning gives way to a mostly level path at the top, unless you continue onto the Sleeping Rainbow loop, which descends and climbs back up. For a less demanding walk, try the nearby Petrified Wood Cove Trail.
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From the lake, the path ascends a few meters, and within a short hike, visitors can spot the first petrified trees. Petrified Forest Trail is well-marked and features a mesa where fossilized wood, including large logs, can be seen. The visitor center shows fossils, petrified wood, and dinosaur bones over 150 million years old. The park also offers an optional, steeper trail, Sleeping Rainbows, for those seeking more physical channeling.
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This short trail has various rock formations, hoodoos, and arches, which can make this spot fun to explore. The area it encompasses is very small, so it's less about sticking to a trail and more about experiencing the scenery.
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It’s worth extending the normal loop by the Sleeping Rainbows trail. There are many petrified woodblocks in all sizes and colors to see.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
There are 5 easy hiking trails in the Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area. In total, the region offers 14 hiking routes across various difficulty levels.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
Easy hikes in this area showcase a diverse landscape, including dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep forested canyons, and expansive high-elevation tablelands. You'll encounter unique rock formations and opportunities to observe petrified wood.
Are there any trails where I can see petrified wood?
Yes, you can explore trails specifically known for petrified wood. Consider the Petrified Forest and Sleeping Rainbows Trail, a 2.2-mile route, or the Escalante Petrified Forest – Petrified Wood Trail loop from Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, which is 1.7 miles long.
What is a good short and easy hike for families?
The Devils Garden Trail is an excellent choice for families. It's a short 0.8-mile loop that takes about 21 minutes to complete and features unique rock formations that children often enjoy.
Are there any loop trails among the easy options?
Yes, several easy trails are loops. The Escalante Petrified Forest – Petrified Wood Trail loop from Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and the Devils Garden Trail are both easy loop options. Another option is the Zebra Slot Trail loop from Zebra/Tunnel Slot Trailhead.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
The trails in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique geological features and the sense of primitive recreation offered by the undeveloped landscape.
Is public transportation available to access the trailheads?
The Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area is known for its remote and undeveloped character. Public transportation options directly to trailheads within the WSA are generally not available. Access typically requires personal vehicles.
Are permits required for hiking in the Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
While the Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area itself is largely undeveloped and offers unconfined recreation, some activities or specific areas within the broader Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument might require permits. It's advisable to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the most current regulations regarding permits for specific activities or overnight stays. You can find more information on the BLM website.
What is the best time of year for easy hiking in this region?
The best time for hiking in southern Utah, including the Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area, is typically spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and potential winter snow.
Are there any unique geological features to look out for on these easy trails?
Beyond petrified wood, the region is characterized by dramatic sandstone cliffs, slickrock formations, and deep canyons. The Devils Garden Trail, for instance, leads through unique rock formations that are a highlight of the area.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Policies regarding dogs can vary within wilderness study areas and national monuments. While many areas allow dogs on leash, it's always best to verify specific regulations for the Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area and the surrounding Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before your visit to ensure compliance and protect the natural environment.
What should I know about parking for easy trailheads?
Given the remote nature of the Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area, parking facilities at trailheads are generally undeveloped. Access points often involve unpaved roads, and parking may be limited to roadside pull-offs. Always ensure your vehicle is parked safely and does not obstruct any access routes.
Most popular routes in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area
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