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SnowshoeingPonderosa Loop
Featured Route
This wheelchair accessible trail starts behind the exhibit area. A short self-guided trail, it passes by the accessible Stump Shelters & Amphitheater before entering the modern forest of ponderosa pines, aspen, douglas fir, and spruce trees.
Only the paths immediately behind the Visitor Center that lead to the Stump Shelters are paved, but the rest of the loop is well compacted and easy to traverse.
- Hiking
- Loop
- Wheelchair Friendly
Geology
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Timeline
1
For the most rewarding interpretive experience, be sure to start in the visitor center to orient yourself to the history of this fossil-rich area. While the upcoming loop will showcase massive petrified tree stumps, the visitor center’s museum is the best place to see fragile fossils of insects, plants, spiders, fish, cones, and seeds.
Start Hiking
For 382ft
The Ponderosa Loop passes numerous petrified stumps, with the most notable ones right behind the visitor center. Most remains are those of coastal redwoods, similar to what you may find in California and Oregon today.
2
The accessible amphitheater and shelters offer a glimpse at some of the best preserved tree stumps and no shortage of interpretive material to learn more.
Continue Hiking
For 0.4mi
You’ll pass through a modern forest that surrounds the fossilized one. In fact, living pines even grow directly on top of petrified stumps today. Head back toward the shelters and visitor center to complete the loop.
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