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Gallatin Range, Park County
High in the Gallatin Range, fifty million years ago, a lush, subtropical forest was buried standing up by volcanic mudflows from the Absaroka Volcanic Field. Silica-rich waters replaced the organic cellular structure with solid quartz and chalcedony. Today, as the softer volcanic rock erodes away, the petrified stumps emerge from the hillsides.
Visitor Access
The petrified forest sits on public land within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Viewing and hiking are free. Collecting small pieces of petrified wood for personal use is permitted, but visitors must obtain a free permit from the Forest Service office in Bozeman or Livingston before removing any material.