Hiking Buried Forest Concretions Trail
Price
Overview
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Sun 46 | 23 |
Mon 49 | 25 |
Tue 45 | 22 |
Wed 46 | 23 |
Thu 40 | 20 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Sun 46 | 23 |
Mon 49 | 25 |
Tue 45 | 22 |
Wed 46 | 23 |
Thu 40 | 20 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Close up of the concretions in the cliff band.
It is easy to see how the Buried Forest got its name! The cliff band, full of concretions, doesn’t require much imagination to see the split balls and features in the cliff as old tree stumps.
The concretions, though they may look like a tree stump, are actually balls created by the cementation of minerals, usually around an organic center. Concretions are actually fairly common, and found in many places in the world.
The hike, about 1.8 miles round trip, is fairly easy with little elevation change. My 5-year-old enjoyed the hike immensely, spending most of the hike loudly postulating that the concretions were really dinosaur eggs.
Ruby enjoying the easy hiking along the trail. A great family outing.
Getting There
Reaching the traihead starts from highway 6 that runs between Price and I-70/Green River. From Price, head south toward I-70/Green River for about 17 miles to mile post 258.7 where a road leaves the highway on the south (right) side.
- MP 258.7 - Turn off highway 6 on the right (south) side of the road and reset your odometer. ( 12S 540036mE 4373216mN / N39° 30' 28" W110° 32' 03" )
- Almost immediately go left when the road splits. Stay on the main dirt road from here. ( 12S 540007mE 4373187mN / N39° 30' 27" W110° 32' 05" )
- 2.0 miles - Jct - Go left. ( 12S 540378mE 4370187mN / N39° 28' 49" W110° 31' 50" )
- 2.75 miles - Jct - Go right. ( 12S 539798mE 4369243mN / N39° 28' 19" W110° 32' 14" )
- 3.1 miles - Trailhead ( 12S 539325mE 4368902mN / N39° 28' 08" W110° 32' 34" )
Ruby heading to the concretions.
Route
From the trailhead, the trail heads north, then west on a single track along the rim of a small cliff. Soon, the trail turns south and descends off the top of the cliff band. This is the steepest part of the hike, but very manageable for even a 5-year-old. As the trail descends, you will see your first concretions both in the cliff band, and the ones that have eroded out of the cliff and rolled down the hill.
The trail continues, crossing a dry wash, then climbing a small hill to a saddle. From the saddle, the trail descends. The cliff to the right (north) has many large concretions dotting its face. When the trail splits, go either way for a short loop. There is an informational sign in the middle of the loop with details on the site.
Return the same way when you came.
Photos
Maps
| Buried Forest Concreations Trail |
12S 539325mE 4368898mN N39° 28' 08" W110° 32' 34" |
| First Concretions |
12S 539099mE 4369123mN N39° 28' 15" W110° 32' 44" |
| Loop |
12S 538519mE 4369058mN N39° 28' 13" W110° 33' 08" |
| End of Trail |
12S 538323mE 4369240mN N39° 28' 19" W110° 33' 16" |