Exploring the state’s rugged terrain offers a unique opportunity to discover petrified wood, a fossilized treasure from ancient forests. With the right tips, you’ll be ready to embark on your own adventure and uncover these fascinating remnants of prehistoric life.

Knowing where to look and what to expect will increase your chances of spotting these remarkable pieces scattered across this great state’s terrain!

Petrified wood you can find in the US

In the United States, several types of petrified wood can be found, each with unique characteristics based on the original tree species and the minerals involved in the fossilization process. Here are some of the types you’ll be able to find.

Araucarioxylon

Found in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, this is one of the most famous types of petrified wood. It comes from an extinct species of conifer. As Arizona’s state fossil, Araucarioxylon holds a special place in the state’s natural history.

These trees once formed vast forests during the Late Triassic period, about 225 million years ago. The vibrant colors in this petrified wood come from minerals that replaced the original tree material over time.

Metasequoia

Often referred to as dawn redwood, this type of petrified wood can be found in various parts of the U.S., including the Pacific Northwest. Metasequoia was once thought to be extinct until living trees were later discovered in China.

Furthermore, its fine grain and reddish-brown color are characteristic features.

Palmoxylon

This petrified wood originates from palm trees and is often found in the Gulf Coast states like Texas and Louisiana. Recognized as the state stone of Texas, Palmoxylon is abundant and holds cultural significance.

The wood’s unique speckled or dotted pattern comes from the vascular bundles of the original palm tree. These fossils date back to the Cretaceous period, when the area was tropical and teeming with life.

Taxodium

Also known as bald cypress, this petrified wood can be found in the southeastern U.S., particularly in areas that were once swampy. Taxodium wood is often found in places that were ancient swamps, where these trees thrived millions of years ago.

The wood is durable and shows intricate grain patterns, with growth rings and knotholes that tell the story of its long history. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the wet environments that once dominated the Southeast.

Sequoioxylon

Petrified wood from ancient sequoia trees, found in places like California, where sequoia forests once thrived. These trees are the ancestors of the giant sequoias that still stand in California today.

The petrified wood is notable for its large, straight grain and reddish color, reflecting the immense size and age of the original trees.

Ginkgoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient ginkgo trees, which can sometimes be found in states like Oregon and Washington. Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species on Earth, with fossils dating back over 200 million years.

Ginkgo petrified wood often has a light color and may show patterns similar to the fan-shaped leaves of the living ginkgo.

Dicotyledonous Wood

Found across various states, this type of petrified wood comes from broadleaf trees, making it more common and varied in appearance. You can spot dicotyledonous wood by the distinct vessels and growth rings that indicate seasonal changes.

This type of petrified wood is often found in regions that were once temperate forests, offering clues about the diverse plant life that existed millions of years ago.

Piceoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient spruce trees, commonly found in areas like Wyoming and Montana, where coniferous forests once thrived. Piceoxylon is known for its straight grain and pale color, often showing growth rings that tell the tree’s life story.

These trees were part of the ancient boreal forests that covered large parts of North America during cooler periods.

A Quick Request About Collecting

What Rough Petrified Wood Looks Like

Most of the photos you find of petrified wood are pieces that have been cut and polished. That is certainly useful but isn’t super helpful once you are out in the field. This is what you should look out for once you start hunting:

Exteriors like this

Every type of petrified wood has a different exterior and pattern but this is a good starting point on what to look for.

Texture and grain patterns

One of the most distinctive features to look for is the texture and grain patterns. Petrified wood often retains the original structure of the tree, including the grain, knots, and even growth rings. These patterns can appear similar to modern wood but are typically more rigid and fossilized.

Examine the surface for any linear patterns or striations that indicate the original wood grain. The texture may feel smoother or more polished in certain areas where mineralization has created a glassy effect.

Coloration and mineralization

The color of petrified wood can vary significantly due to the minerals that replaced the organic material during the fossilization process. Common colors include shades of brown, red, yellow, orange, and black.

Some pieces might even exhibit multiple colors in intricate patterns. These colors are often more vivid and diverse than those found in regular rocks. When inspecting potential petrified wood, look for these distinct and varied hues, which can indicate the presence of different minerals such as silica, iron, manganese, and others that contributed to the petrification process.

Bark and exterior features

Another telltale sign of petrified wood is the presence of bark impressions or external textures that resemble tree bark. These features are often well-preserved and can include the rough, fibrous texture of bark, knots, or other surface irregularities typical of natural wood.

The exterior of rough petrified wood may also have a weathered appearance, with cracks and fractures that occurred as the wood fossilized over millions of years. Look closely for these natural wood features, as they can be a strong indicator that you have found a piece of petrified wood.

Weight and density

Petrified wood is typically much heavier and denser than regular wood due to the mineralization process. When rockhounding, pick up the specimen to feel its weight. Even small pieces of petrified wood will feel significantly heavier than an equivalent-sized piece of non-fossilized wood.

This increased density is due to the replacement of organic material with minerals, making petrified wood feel more like a rock than wood. Comparing the weight and density of your find with known samples of petrified wood can help confirm its authenticity.

General Areas To Try First

Before we get into the specific places you should be looking we wanted to give you some more general advice. Once you get to your hunting area you should head straight for these areas if you want to have the best results:

Lakeshores

Lakeshores are like natural garbage cans because all things wash up and get left there over time. That includes wood that has turned to stone. As the water rises and falls, it carries sediment and rocks. It also takes the fossilized remains of trees from long ago.

Most lakeshores have a variety of rocks and minerals, which makes them an excellent place for petrified wood to grow and thrive. You’ll find a nice mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, the best sites for preserving wood fossils.

Roadcuts

When building roads, parts of the ground are often cut away to make a smooth path. The magic happens when the road cuts through layers of rock and soil. Petrified wood is often buried deep underground, and roadcuts let us see these underground wonders.

As workers blast through the rock layers, they accidentally find petrified wood that has been there for hundreds of years. Petrified wood is easy for collectors to spot because the exposed rock layers of roadcuts make it easy to see its unique patterns and colors.

Streams and creeks

Streams and creeks can move loose sediment away, which can reveal old wood that has turned to stone. As the water moves around, it exposes small pieces or even more significant amounts of petrified wood that have settled on the streambed.

Streams and creeks are more accessible for collectors because they are not as big. You can easily walk along their banks, jump from rock to rock, and look for petrified wood at the water’s edge.

River beds

Riverbeds are excellent for finding petrified wood due to their unique geological and environmental conditions. Rapid burial by sediments like sand, silt, and mud protects fallen trees from decay, initiating the fossilization process.

Mineral-rich waters flowing through rivers facilitate the replacement of organic material with minerals such as silica, turning wood into stone. Over time, erosion exposes these buried treasures, making them accessible for discovery.

This dynamic environment, with constant sediment deposition and mineral infiltration, creates ideal conditions for the formation and eventual exposure of petrified wood.

The tools every petrified wood hunter will need

When you're out looking for petrified wood having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.

We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced petrified wood hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.

Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.

At a minimum you should have:

1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard

2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set

3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well

4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill

5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable

6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to

7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect

The petrified wood-finding books that we use most

There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America 

Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southwestern Quadrant 

We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.

The Best Places To Find Petrified Wood In Wyoming

It’s not easy to run short of great rockhounding sites in Wyoming, but if you want to know where to find petrified wood specifically, below are some of the best proven spots that we’ve identified:

Sweetwater County

Sweetwater County is filled with wonder and excitement, especially for petrified wood aficionados! Covering a vast area, it’s the largest county in our state.

Its landscape is diverse and includes everything from towering mountain ranges to wide-open plains. You’ll find the majestic Rocky Mountains to the north and the beautiful high desert landscapes all around. This mixture of terrains means there’s always something new and interesting to explore.

Sweetwater’s geology is equally fascinating. It’s rich with various types of minerals and rocks, including some of the types of petrified wood we’ve talked about!

Getting here is fairly easy. Major highways like I-80 run through the county, making it accessible by car. There’s also the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport if you’re traveling from farther away.

Before heading out, make sure you’re aware of the area-specific rules and regulations here. You can check Wyoming’s updated collecting guidelines for more information.

Where we found petrified wood in the Sweetwater County

Petrified wood is pretty much abundant and widespread in this county, and you can find samples in the following areas:

• Regional exposures of the Green River formation
• Eden Valley petrified forest area
• Gravels of the Big Sand River and its tributaries
• Foothills, canyons, draws, and flats of the distant Wind River Range
• Both sides of US 30 as far as Fort Bridger in Uinta County
• Rock Springs
• Vast expanses of the Great Divide Basin
• Slopes and draws of Steamboat Mountain in the Leucite Hills
• Eastward in the desert country of Eden area to Red Desert
• Big Sand Reservoir Dam in the Farson area

Half Moon Lake

Nestled in the Wind River Mountain Range, Half Moon Lake is part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, giving it a picture-perfect backdrop that draws visitors from all over.

It’s characterized by clear, sparkling waters surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountain terrain. It’s located at a high elevation, adding to its serene and almost otherworldly beauty.

From a geological standpoint, Half Moon Lake is part of a region with diverse rock formations. The Wind River Range itself is a geological wonder, with granite peaks formed millions of years ago. The area is also home to fascinating glacial features, and you can find plenty of intriguing specimens to study, including petrified wood.

Getting here is a scenic adventure in itself. It’s located near the town of Pinedale, which is accessible via Highway 191. From Pinedale, a well-maintained road leads to the lake.

Where we found petrified wood in Half Moon Lake

You can find fine specimens of petrified wood if you keep your eyes peeled along the shoreline of Half Moon Lake.

Shoshone River

Shoshone River is a winding waterway filled with natural beauty and geological wonders. Flowing through the northwestern part of our state, it’s is a must-see for anyone.

This river starts in the Absaroka Range and travels through Cody before joining the Big Horn River. Along its path, it carves through a variety of landscapes, from majestic mountains to broad valleys, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

The terrain around the Shoshone River is as diverse as it is stunning. You’ll find everything from rugged cliffs to gentle meadows.

From ancient volcanic rocks to more recent sedimentary layers, this river and its surroundings are like an open book for those curious about geological processes.

Where we found petrified wood in the Shoshone River

You can collect petrified wood downstream along the south shore of Shoshone River.

Carbon County

Located in the south-central part of our state, Carbon County is brimming with natural wonders and geological gems. It has a diverse geography, ranging from mountainous regions in the north to high desert landscapes in the south.

The North Platte River winds its way through this county, adding to the scenic beauty. The mixture of mountains, plateaus, rivers, and valleys creates a captivating terrain that invites exploration.

The geology of Carbon County is what makes it stand out. Rich in coal and other minerals, the area is aptly named “Carbon.” Fossil hunters can find traces of the distant past, and rockhounds will be thrilled with the variety of rocks and formations.

Luckily, major highways like I-80 run through the area, and there are several towns, like Rawlins and Saratoga, that are easily accessible. These towns serve as gateways to the natural and geological wonders of the county.

Where we found petrified wood in the Carbon County

There’s quite a handful of areas here that contain petrified wood, including:

• Petrified forest area in Shirley Basin
• Area draws, washes, and surfaces in Saratoga
• Cow Creek to the mouth of Calf Creek
• Medicine Bow River and its tributaries
• Petrified forest west of the road in Medicine Bow area

Snake River

Winding its way through Wyoming, Snake River is a marvel of nature that’s full of adventure and discovery. It’s one of the largest rivers in the Northwestern U.S. and it’s known for its stunning landscapes and diverse geological features.

While it flows through several states, its headwaters begin in the majestic Yellowstone National Park. From there, it meanders through Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, and continues on, carving a path that showcases some of the most breathtaking parts of the region.

The terrain along this river is incredibly varied. There are towering mountain ranges, deep canyons, lush forests, and wide valleys. From a geological perspective, Snake River Canyon showcases a variety of rock types and formations.

Fortunately, this area is accessible through well-maintained roads leading to popular spots like Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. Nearby airports and regular bus services also connect it to other parts of the country.

Where we found petrified wood in Snake River

To find petrified wood, we recommend exploring upstream on both sides of the Snake River and on the adjacent north slopes of Bradley Mountain.

Other Great Places To Find Wyoming Petrified Wood

Aside from our top-recommended places to find Wyoming petrified wood, here are some more proven spots that you can include in your exploration itinerary here:

Common Questions About Finding Petrified Wood In Wyoming

Below are some of the most common questions when it comes to finding petrified wood in Wyoming. We’ll answer them in case you share the same inquiries:

How old is Petrified Wood in Wyoming

Petrified wood in Wyoming is incredibly ancient, often dating back to the Late Cretaceous and Early Eocene periods, around 34 to 66 million years ago.

During this time, our state was covered in lush forests and experienced significant volcanic activity. Trees that fell or were knocked down by volcanic eruptions were quickly covered with ash, soil, and other sediments.

Over millions of years, the organic matter was replaced with minerals, and the wood became petrified.

Can you find Petrified Palm Wood in Wyoming?

Lucky for you, you can find petrified palm wood in Wyoming. One of the specific spots where you can find it here is in the gravels of the Big Sand River and its tributaries in Sweetwater County.

The Best Places To Buy Petrified Wood In Wyoming

While finding petrified wood is really rewarding, there are other more relaxing ways you can observe or even take home this natural wonder— and that is by visiting our local shops here. Below are some of our recommended stores:

• Fossil Safari – 2072 Muddy String Rd 117, Thayne, WY 83127
• In Stone Fossils – 413 Coral St, Kemmerer, WY 83101
• Old Dead Things LLC – 4440 Sam Howell Rd, Casper, WY 82604
• Tynsky’s Fossil Shop – 201 Beryl St, Kemmerer, WY 83101
• Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery – 4400 Co Rd 300, Kemmerer, WY 83101
• Wyoming Fossils – 921 Pine Ave, Kemmerer, WY 83101