The Petrified Forest outside Calistoga has been the subject of countless scientific researchers since its discovery by Charles Evans, aka Petrified Forest Charley, in 1870. The 3.4 million-year-old forest was petrified as a result of a massive volcanic eruption by now extinct Mt. St. Helena. Thousands of years of permineralization created the detailed petrified wood visitors see today. Besides numerous academic papers, details of the forest appear in Robert Louis Stevenson’s book The Silverado Squatters, a good pre-visit read (free on Kindle). The Bockee family has managed the property for over 100 years. Visitors can take a docent-led 1.5-hour walk on the two half-mile trails or choose a self-guided walking experience.
4100 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-6667