Wide Hollow Reservoir Loop

Wide Hollow Reservoir Loop circles the small reservoir at the heart of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, providing a gentle 1.5-mile walk through diverse riparian and desert-edge habitat that supports a surprisingly rich variety of bird life. The reservoir was created to provide a reliable water source for the town of Escalante and now functions as an important migratory stopover in the canyon country of southern Utah, where standing water is exceptionally rare.

During spring and fall migration, the reservoir attracts wading birds, diving ducks, grebes, and shorebirds that would otherwise pass over this arid landscape without stopping. Resident species include great blue herons, white pelicans (during migration), and various waterfowl that use the reservoir throughout the year. The surrounding desert scrub habitat supports a different suite of birds — sage sparrows, loggerhead shrikes, and Say's phoebes are among the species that inhabit the drier sections of the loop. The trail is almost entirely flat, circling the reservoir shoreline with views of the surrounding canyon country and the cottonwood gallery forest that lines the inlet stream. Leashed dogs are permitted. The $14 per vehicle park fee covers access to both the reservoir and the Petrified Wood Trail, making this park an excellent value for a short visit to the Escalante region.