Giant Logs Loop

Why go

If you want the most bang for almost no mileage, this is it. Giant Logs Loop packs some of the park’s largest and most vividly colored petrified trees into a compact 0.4–0.5 mile loop behind Rainbow Forest Museum. Expect an easy stroll with a few short stairs and gentle ups and downs. Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes here—longer if you stop to read the signs and gawk at the logs (you should).

The experience

The path is a developed interpretive loop—partially paved, partially gravel—with numbered posts that match a self-guided booklet available at the museum. It climbs a low hill via stairs and wanders through one of the highest concentrations of big petrified wood anywhere in the park. The route is sometimes described as “butterfly‑shaped,” with the show‑stopper near the top: Old Faithful, a massive conifer trunk nearly 10 feet across at the base and the largest petrified log on display in the park.

What you’ll see

You’re walking through a Late Triassic forest turned to stone over 200+ million years as mineral‑rich groundwater replaced wood with quartz and other minerals. Look for reds, yellows, and purples in the logs, plus textures, knots, and even insect trace marks preserved in stone. The numbered stops explain the geology and history; the surrounding area once served as the park’s original headquarters (1906–1962).

Access and logistics

Start directly behind Rainbow Forest Museum at the south end of the park—handy for restrooms, exhibits, and picking up the booklet (a small donation is often suggested). Dogs are allowed on leash. The loop is easy, but it’s not fully accessible due to stairs and a few uneven sections.

Tips

• Grab the self‑guided booklet before you start; it elevates the short walk into a great primer on the park.
• For fewer people and nicer photos, go early or late when light is softer—the logs’ colors pop.
• Want more walking? From the same area you can continue to the nearby Long Logs/Agate House Trails after you finish.

Best time to hike

Year‑round, but spring and fall are the sweet spot for comfortable temperatures and lighter crowds. Summer can be hot and winter can bring chilly winds. If you plan to use the museum or pick up the booklet, check current hours.