EXPLORE: Petrified Forest Near Buffalo Wyoming

Ever seen an ancient petrified tree, in person?

It's closer than you think.

A friend of mine, Ranger Jessica from Buffalo Wyoming, took me just east of town to see them.

It's just a short drive from Buffalow Wyoming and a short hike.

The Dry Creek Petrified Tree Environmental Education Area is located about 13 miles east of Buffalo, Wyoming.

The site offers visitors an opportunity to discover the history of the northeastern Wyoming landscape.

About 60 million years ago the climate of Wyoming was much different than it was today.

These red sage hills and sagebrush country were a jungle-like swamp with towering Metasequoia trees.

Many of these trees still exist as petrified wood.

We walked a 0.8-mile interpretive loop trail that winds its way through portions of remnant petrified trees.

Vault toilets and a shelter with picnic tables are available. Dispersed camping is allowed in the recreation area, outside of the fenced-in trail and picnic area.

Look closely at the photo below to see the tree rings.

As you walk the trail try to imagine what Wyoming looked like back then.

The elevation was a lot lower. The area was much more humid and swampy.

Far different than what Wyoming is today.

There are signs along the trail to help you learn about what you are looking at.

Most of these trees are just stumps, after all this time.

But there are a few spots that show you a lot more.

Like this one, lying on its side.

Stumps are common along the trail.

You'll have a chance to put your hands on history and touch something that grew tall, millions of years ago.

Then take a moment to look around and you'll see that there are no longer any trees in the area.

Today, Wyoming is much higher in altitude and considered a dry arid desert.

The park service has saved the best for last on this trail.

What is left of this tree is still standing and researchers have been digging it out of the hillside.

It's hollow at the bottom.

Look closely and you'll see a different color inside.

It looks like the old girl was rotting before she was petrified.

A tree becomes petrified when it is buried quickly in sediment, like mud or volcanic ash, which prevents decay, and then groundwater rich in dissolved minerals, primarily silica, gradually replaces the wood cells, essentially turning the wood into stone while preserving its original structure; this process is called mineralization and happens over millions of years. (National Park Diaries).

 

The video above had a deeper explanation of how trees become petrified.