In between wine adventures, my fiancé and I decided to do little hikes around the area. We found the Petrified Forest and were excited to check it out. It was about $14 each to enter, which was a little pricey for what we saw. You are able to do the entire space under an hour if you so wish. The people who work here are kind. There is a gift shop with both gifts and drinks. There were rudimentary women and mens restrooms. And plenty of free parking out front. You can check out the petrified woods up close. They also have a lot of informational plaques around. read more

The Petrified Forest - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

We had some time to kill today and none of us had ever seen petrified anything so thought it would be cool to stop by. It's about a mile total around the inner loop + the out and back for some additional scenery. It is a little hilly but not too bad, my 65 year old mother was able to walk the entirety of the loop. The petrified wood is pretty cool along with all of the lava stone and ash. The trees are pretty huge. It was $14 which I thought was a little steep for how much (or little) there was to see, but I don't regret going. read more

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Great place to take a hike in the Northern California landscape to see typical trees, bushes, and petrified trees. Plenty of information on the petrification process and on the flora and very educational. Well cared for trails that can be steep at times. Guided tours are available but not necessary due to the excellent signage and map. We met a very well informed retired park ranger who works as a guide there. Great gift shop for adults and kids! Please visit this place soon as it is being sold by realtor. read more

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I read all the reviews about it not being worth the money and my husband still wanted to come. So - is it worth the money (As of Jan 2025 - $14 per adult)? No. But seriously, what tourists sites are worth the money these days, esp ones that are privately owned and currently for sale? Is it enjoyable nonetheless, yes. Petrified trees aren't the most sexy items of nature but they are really interesting. They do have some tree stumps placed, but most are clearly where they were found. More are being revealed as the days go by. The person complaining about no coverage of the native tribes seems like they are looking for criticism--there's honestly also very little about 'Charlie' the homesteader who supposedly discovered the trees. The hike is about 1-1/2 miles total. Not really wheelchair or stroller friendly, esp in winter. Overall, if you aren't looking for an intense history lesson and you don't mind the price, it's worth it for a stop on the way to Calistoga, where you can also pay too much to see the geyser. ;) Ps. Sometimes they have Groupons. read more

The Petrified Forest - A very old tree - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

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I am so happy I finally stopped by the Petrified Forest. It was extremely interesting to learn about the history and support this local gem. There are two main trails to follow, both about a half a mile. The ticket to enter was only $14 and they offer free guided tours!! I highly recommend going to the free guided tours which are offered daily at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. This makes the experience much more informative! It is definitely worth taking the time to stop by and learn about this petrified forest! read more

The Petrified Forest - Plaque - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

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Visited here on an early weekday morning. Was the first to arrive right when they had open. Staff was warm and welcoming. We did the entire self guided tours and the views were gorgeous. Heads up, definitely bring refillable water bottle and wear comfortable footwear. I saw some people wearing flip flops and the walking paths are not flat surfaces. read more

The Petrified Forest - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

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Wow! This place is so cool. A must see for sure. A true history lesson you don't want to miss. read more

This place was magical. There is ample parking and the self-guided map is helpful to understand what you see. Easy parking. Absolutely amazing! read more

The Petrified Forest - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

While our family was in the area, we spotted a sign for the Petrified Forest and, out of curiosity, decided to stop by and check it out. It's a small forest with a short hike that takes you up to see hardened lava flow and a few petrified trees. For the price, we felt there wasn't much to see. However, the staff was incredibly kind, and the gift shop was charming with a nice selection of souvenirs. Overall, it's not a must-see attraction, but it's interesting if you want to learn more about petrified trees and see some history. read more

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This was a super fun place to come! There are not many petrified forests in the world so if you are in the area, I highly recommend you stop by! Tickets were very reasonable, and adult ti key was $15. They have an excellent map that takes you on a route though the loop to see the different trees of importance. It also gives you a little blurb about each tree. It feels very good for kids because it's not too long of walk. The main route takes about 20 minutes and is not very strenuous. There is a part that you can't go on with a wheel chair, however most of it you can go on with a wheel chair. Then there is also a bonus hike that I think is 3 miles round trip that we couldn't go on because it was raining but seemed like a fun one to do if you want to see a little extra. There is nothing around it so eat before you go. They do have a cooler with drinks you can buy however. This is not a place to spend too too long at and it is not far from downtown Calistoga- maybe 10 minutes. So it's a nice little trip to see something very unique. To my understanding this is a privately owned forest, it is not a state park. They do have a parking lot that has plenty of room! read more

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Recommend.... You get there early when it cool... Very educational. We read all the backstories behind each key points of interest. We had a great time. read more

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Some will no doubt see this as small hokey roadside collection of rocks that look like trees but they'll also be missing out the opportunity to really see and maybe feel something awe inspiring. I think it's one of those bucket list places, especially should be part of any redwood tour. Good God man, some of these petrified trees are thought to be upwards of 2,000 years old when they fell over ....three and a half million years ago!!! Just think of that. Was fun exploring the grounds and interesting and very thought provoking. Was a beautiful rainy day when I came and while I didn't do the tour I was able to hear enough of it and adventure about on my own. And what a beautiful drive in. read more

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Great live history of Mount St Helena volcano exploding 3.4 million years ago. About a 45 minute self guided tour unless you sit on one of the benches and enjoy the views. Nice gift shop at entrance. Picnic area up front to sit and breath in fresh air and drink your water or coffee before hitting the road again. About a 15-20 minutes ride from Calistoga-up a mountain. Worth a visit. read more

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Easy place to take a young family to if you're in the Calistoga area. They offer a few daily tours, or you can do a self-guided one. Parking is free, admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 6-11. We joined the 3 pm tour Friday after Thanksgiving and were glad we did - because we saw so much more that we'd have otherwise seen. Some of my highlights included learning about the 3.4 million year old volcanic eruption that created the petrified forest, clambering up a steep ash fall, a gorgeous view of Mount St. Helena, and seeing manzanita shrubs, with their smooth red bark, up close. They also have a nice gift shop and the ladies in our party enjoyed shopping for pretty pendants, chocolate rocks, chunky minerals, and fine jewelry. We will be back next time we are in the area. read more

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I don't understand people saying it's an easy walk. It's not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. In fact, several steep slopes say "no running" which gravity doesn't help with at all. It's not a petrified forest per se; they gathered a bunch and just display them in several spots. I appreciated the bathroom with soap, shade, and that's about it. If people like looking at expensive crystals for sale, you might like the gift shop. Coffee shop closed so you can't even enjoy something to eat here. Settler-colonial exhibit; privately owned so it doesn't have any educational context at all. Signs claiming that one man "discovered" this forest and the land has changed hands from family to family. Especially strange since going to any of the California parks in the area you know about the Wappo people. Funny that even the "Visit Calistoga" brochure I picked up here has more information about the first people in this area. If you stopped here, you'd learn this one man found this area, and then Robert Louis Stevenson wrote about "Charley" in one of his books. read more

Incredibly lucky that we were able to visit during the Covid shut down. There is a lot to see, nature is truly wondrous! Make sure to stop at the nice gift shop. Highly recommend a visit here if you are in wine country. read more

This was on the bucket list for mo other reason than having driven psst it sooo many times, saying "one day" I have to check it out. So my wife and I headed over at opening time, a year after the deadly Santa Rosa (Tubbs Fire). As it turns out they were evacuated, lost a water tank and a small outbuilding, and selective spots burned all around the property. What is remarkable is that the fire got close to the main building, hot enough to melt glass shelves inside (and the windows) and scorched the 400 year old oak in the courtyard...but there it was, fully leaved a year later. We opted for the self-directed tour, although there is a much more informative guided tour available. The walk was easy, the paths well marked and some of the views, terrain and stories on the plaques along the route were interesting. The petrified trees are simply amazing. Stone you would swear. The gift shop has plenty of touristy stuff, gems, books and petrified wood pieces (expensive), plus some nice people. It's not going to blow you away, but it is worth the visit. read more

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OK attraction right outside Calistoga. No cell service out here. This is private property that has been charging admission for a less than 1 mile walking tour loop of unearthed petrified wood found in the forest. They have a quaint gift shop at the beginning and end, and used to run a diner / restaurant as well. We enjoyed our stroll (unpaved but easily walkable paths / very mild elevation change). If you've been to Petrified Forest NP in Arizona, you will be very underwhelmed by the examples here. Some of the best ones are right at the entrance, on display. $12 pp, fair price I guess. Bucket in "I don't regret going, but wouldn't have missed it if I hadn't." read more

This was over priced for what it was worth. Parking is free it's $15 per adult for walking around. There is a gift shop and a few Plaques that talk about different types of trees in the history of them. It's semi kid friendly but there isn't a lot very engaging and less you just want a nice walk. read more

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Great place to check out when your in the Napa Valley. Mild hike into the petrified forest with beautiful flowers along the way. Tons of lizards also. Shop is closed due to Covid read more

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Do not waste your money!!! It's $12 a person to get in. There is very little to see , and there are better ways to spend your money. I have enclosed two pictures so you don't have to go. read more

The Petrified Forest - Petrified rocks. - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

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A basic family walk for just over a mile with petrified forest highlights. Great if you have you kids and the want to see some great sections of petrified forest. We needed to stretch out and this did the trick. $12 per person is reasonable. We didn't stop by the gift shop. read more

Old school road side attraction! Not many of these around anymore - at least near me. Much better time than the visit to the geyser. Easy drive from Calistoga where we were staying. Lots of local history with this place. Good story board about who discovered it and the various family members and owners who have ran the place for over a century! A must do if your up in the Calistoga area and are tired of drinking wine. Easy, non-strenuous walk to see the sights. read more

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It was fun more than anything I was just more interesting of how the trees become petrified and definitely take the longer route is definitely worth it and you could also take your fur babies which is nice. read more

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If you're in the Calistoga area this is a fascinating and brisk stop. The fossilization of trees is a rare sight indeed and this example is very well-maintained. It's also impressive to see how well this forest is recovering from the devastating 2017 Tubbs fire. Bring a picnic and enjoy the nice view of Mount St. Helena at the end of the easy (though not super accessible) trail. read more

The Petrified Forest - Petrified redwood tree. - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

We'll maintained and interesting. Nice gift shop. It looks there was once a restaurant, but it is closed up. Entry and exit from the highway is spicy! Although I liked the place, I think it is a bit overpriced. read more

It' was a beautiful drive from SF past Santa Rosa into the woods. There is limited spaces to park in a dirt road open lot. As you enter the forest to your right are restrooms and to the left is a paid entrance. The entrance was around $10 but check the website doe updates! You are given a map and then you just follow the trail. We stopped several times to eat and rest from the sun. The trail is relatively short so you can bring small children without it being too much of a fight. It's truly magical and relaxing. It can get very warm so bring your hat and sunblock! read more

I absolutely loved visiting here. It was so beautiful. The gift shop has so many crystals which got me really excited. read more

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I guess if you have an hour or 2 to kill while your wife is getting her hair and nails done, it is something to do. Otherwise, I didn't find it was much to see. If you are trying to decide between this and Muir Woods, definitely head over there. It was nice walking the relatively easy trails here but there isn't that much to see. But at least I now know about Petrified Charley. They see that on a clear day you can see a volcano in the distance. Unfortunately we were there on a cloudy day. read more

The Petrified Forest - Watch out for the snakes. - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

went here to check it out. Seems there were volcanos there in Calistoga a long time ago and it exploded and left ash and lava over this forest. I missed the meadow walk cuz I was busy running around seeing all the wineries and that Old Faithful Geyser of Calif. I'd go here on a sunny day w/ the meadow walk. Again, print out a 15% off coupon before going. http://www.petrifiedforest.org/admission.html read more

The Petrified Forest - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

Okay, I know that most people wouldn't give this place much more than 3 stars, maybe 4 stars at best. But on our visit here, we benefited from having a docent led tour of this small park. This makes a world of difference in the experience, as we got much more insight into the history of this location and the different specimens on display. Our guide was a young Englishman who clearly enjoyed and appreciated his job. Our family had a private tour, as none of the other visitors at the same time chose to join the tour. It was their loss. We ended up spending nearly an hour on the tour, even though one could easily walk the entire loop in probably 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the fires from fall 2017 have led to a closure of much of the extended area, because a bridge was destroyed and the rebuilding of it will require additional permits - and with so many residences in need of repair, it's understandably lower priority. So if you're looking for a longer hike, you'll have to go somewhere else. Thankfully, the Petrified Forest recognizes that their offerings are limited, and thus the admission price has been reduced for all adults. read more

Went when it was closed... they were nice and let us visit the courtyard. We bought some souvenirs. Not much to say about it... was an interesting stop to walk off some drinking. read more

The Petrified Forest - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

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Wood. On our way to Yountville we swung by the Petrified forest. Pretty much just what I had expected. Kinda touristy, but my inner science geek really liked getting a look at what happens when Viagra meets Redwood. Oh, and it was a bit of a hike through the grounds although the loop itself wasn't long at all. So, if you struggle walking....you're gonna have a bad time. read more

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Not a park, this is a PAID place which is pretty small, not much of a hike at all. $12 per adult and the trail is very short. The signs don't give much info, unpaved, overall, a disappointment. Gave it 3 stars bc the owner seemed nice but do not recommend it. read more

Super bummed. We drove all the way here and it was closed...11:30AM on a Tuesday. Hours are posted at 9-5 daily. No sign, just locked gates. Called the number and it just rang and rang. Super disappointed kids--and parents...I guess call ahead? Seems very odd there wasn't even a sign to explain the closure. read more

We enjoyed our visit. The hike was a easy and educational. I was happy to be able to take my dog on the trail with a lease. Beautiful drive through Sonoma countryside. read more

I don't know how..but we had a blast walking around this forest! It's literally a portion of dead forest and it was really cool to see what a volcano would do to nature! Learned a lot - wasn't very impressed with the whole back story of the homesteader that STOLE this land from the natives and proceeded to SELL what wasn't his in the first place.. man, fuck Charley! But, the forest itself was cool. read more

We had a lovely walk around the park a few weeks ago. The trail was relatively short and easy to traverse. I enjoyed the history and the beautiful views. We didn't see many other people on the trail as it was pretty early in the morning, so it was very peaceful and serene. The petrified wood was certainly a trip, it was much cooler than I thought it would be. The gift shop/museum area was closed to due to covid, which was a bit of a bummer, but we still had a good experience. Definitely recommend. read more

Great place to visit for a break from the wineries. We did the 11am guided walk (with our kid and dog). Our guide was awesome - knowledgeable, friendly and kept our kid engaged for the 90 minute stroll which was an added bonus! Would highly recommend as being worth the money if you go when there is a guided walk. read more

The Petrified Forest - Parks Near Me - Calistoga, California

After spending the night with my husband in Calistoga we decided to stop by at the petrified forest and if you have the time you should go. The trees are quite a sight. I know, it may sound weird but fossilized wood is actually pretty interesting. These trees are around 3.4 million years old. There is a $12.00 Adult entrance fee and leaving with something from the gift shop is almost guaranteed. read more