Escalante Grand Staircase Petrified Forest is a premier hiking destination in Escalante, Utah, covering 5.4 miles with 600ft of elevation gain. Stats: 5.4 miles, 600ft gain, Moderate. Type: Out-and-Back. Surface: Sand/Slickrock. Time: 3 hours. Fee: Free (GSENM). Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, ravens, Gila woodpeckers, collared lizards. Best seasons: October through May; summer temperatures in the GSENM regularly exceed 110°F in canyon bottoms. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument's petrified forest trail crosses open desert benchland strewn with 200-million-year-old petrified wood fragments in vivid reds, yellows, and purples. Pack plenty of water — desert and high-altitude trails demand more hydration than you expect. Layers are essential above 10,000 feet. Leave No Trace: stay on designated trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife and other visitors.