Hike to Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile, Utah

Hike to Paul Bunyan's Woodpile, Utah

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile is an interesting geological feature in Central Utah, that looks like a “woodpile” of logs left behind by the giant lumberjack of American & Canadian Folklore. Really the woodpile is a cluster of lava rocks formed about 30 million years ago; the logs were then formed into orderly columns.

The hike to see Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile is very easy at only 2 miles RT, and therefore is great for the whole family! Even dogs are allowed off leash. The hike itself follows Riley Canyon, before heading up a few switchbacks to reach the top of the woodpile. You will see remnants of the old aqueduct as you hike along the canyon as well. Once on top you can explore on your own to see different angles of the logs. Nothing like a good geology hike to exercise and learn at the same time!

It’s easiest to get to the TH from Nephi, UT. Head West on HWY 132 for 13 miles, then turn right at the sign for Little Sahara Sand Dunes. Drive 9.3 miles. Turn right on HWY 6, and drive for 4 miles. Look for a dirt road on the right (East) side of the road, and turn here. You will now see a sign for “Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile TH” – drive to the very end of the road where the trail begins at a fence and a dirt parking area. Do not attempt to drive here after a recent rain – the road will be impassable with mud. Always call the ranger station before heading out there at 435-743-3100 to check road conditions.

Here is a driving map.

Distance: 2 miles RT

Elevation gain: 500 ft

Time: 1 hour

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? Yes, all ages

Fees/Permits? None

As soon as you turn off HWY 6, you will see the brown sign. Drive to the end of the road.

Start by getting through this tight gate. Charlie was kind of scared of it, so he squeezed through the barbed wire fence instead ha! I am not a big person, but this fence was SO tight to get through – you may have to take off your pack and shuffle side to side to get through.

Now just follow the old dirt road North. It looked muddy, but it was actually so cold the mud was frozen!

The trail curves around this small hill to the left.

Then after you make the turn you should be able to clearly see the “woodpile”.

Hike up a few short switchbacks.

At the very top there is a description of Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile. It’s hard to read, but it basically says:

A geologic curiosity – rare in Utah – the “Woodpile” is a cluster of lava logs formed about 30 million years ago during the Eocene Period. The “logs” were formed when a lava flow cooled into orderly columnar joints having 3 to 6 sides. The columns measure about a foot in diameter and up to 15 feet in length. This formation was on the rim of the caldera that collapsed due to a void left when lava flowed out from under the caldera. Basin and range faulting caused the formation to tilt onto its side. Erosion has exposed the formation we now see.”

– BLM Utah