Malm Gulch Petrified Forest Junior Explorer Activity Book

In this activity book, you will explore the Malm Gulch area. It is a petrified forest located about 10 miles south of Challis, Idaho. Fifty million years ago, this area of Idaho was much different. The climate was cool and wet, just like you see now on the Pacific coast. Large sequoia or redwood forests covered the mountains, and ferns blanketed the forest floor. All of that changed when geological activity in the area increased. Violent volcanic eruptions showered the area with volcanic ash, changing the environment and turning trees into a vast petrified forest. All that remains of these forests today are a few tree stumps—some almost 6 feet in diameter—in the Malm Gulch area. As you trek along the short Malm Gulch hiking trail, try to imagine this dry area covered with giant trees and lush ferns.