Where You Can Collect Petrified Wood in Utah and Not Get in Trouble

If you have hiked anywhere in Utah, especially in the eastern and southern parts of the state, you have probably walked over petrified wood. It can be tempting to take a piece home, and it is actually alright to do in some cases. 

Rock Hunting Is Allowed on Most Public Lands 

You can do some rock hunting on BLM land and in most National Forest as long as you don’t overdo it. When it comes to petrified wood, you can collect up to 25 pounds or up to 250 pounds in one calendar year. 

If you are worried that people will scarf it all up before you get a chance, take a walk along the cliffsides in Southern Utah. One example of how much petrified wood there is in the desert is near the Hurricane Mesa where you can see whole logs imbedded in the cliff. 

Collecting Fossils in National Parks & Monuments is Off Limits 

For most of us hiking in the desert, finding petrified wood or seeing a whole log in the dirt is what is fun. This is the best approach when visiting certain places in Utah. 

Read More: People Have Been Parking on Dinosaur Bones at Utah Museum

It is strictly prohibited to remove fossils from National Parks and Monuments in Utah including petrified wood. Doing so can result in a hefty fine. This includes artifacts from ancient inhabitants as well. 

You can search for petrified wood on private land as long as you have permission from the owner. Utah is a state filled with some amazing examples of petrified wood. Keep your eye out when taking your next hike in the desert.