Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Utah

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐(out of 5)
Difficulty:     Very Easy    Easy    MODERATE    Hard    Very Hard 

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1.6 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Terrain: Dirt, rocks, exposed trail
Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
When to Go: spring, summer, fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

• No bathrooms or water at trailhead
• Closest gas station/services are in Nephi, 40 minutes away or Eureka which is 25 minutes away.

THINGS TO BRING

• Good hiking shoes

• Snacks

• Water

• Dogs allowed

• Vehicle that can drive on dirt road, 4WD not needed

DETAILS

Only 40 minutes from Nephi, Utah lays a geological wonder at Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile. Thirty million years ago, lava cooled into distinct vertical columns that over-time turned horizontal and now look like a large pile of wood. Each piece of “wood” is about a foot in diameter and about 15 feet long. Thus, the name Paul Bunyan’s Wood Pile.  

We love finding lava rocks and the different formations that lava makes so this was a great adventure for us. We also hiked with friends which always helps my kids to hike without complaining.

Trailhead

This hike begins at the end of Paul Bunyan Road in Juab County, Utah. See directions below for how to get there. The trailhead is a short walk from the east side of a dirt parking lot with a large sign that says “Paul Bunyan’s Wood Pile Trailhead”. You will need to pass through a small opening in the fence line.

The Hike

Continue walking at a slight incline through a ravine. You will be able to see the woodpile as you get further along from below. You can continue on the lower trail to the bottom view point or take a few short switchbacks to get an up-close view of this geologic wonder.

Don’t leave the woodpile without doing a little exploring at the top. There is an incredible arch if you walk down between the woodpiles. There are a few drop offs in the area, so much sure to keep an eye on your kids. 

PROS & CONS

PROS

• Good for all ages

• Fun destination hike

• Encourages imagination

• Not hard

CONS

• No amenities at trailhead

• Road to trailhead can be impassable with recent rain

DIRECTIONS

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile is located directly west of Nephi at the south end of TinTic Mountain.

If you are coming from the south, take Highway 132 west from Nephi, then take RTE 1812 to Highway 6. From Highway 6 you will head East on Paul Bunyan Road until you can’t go any further.

If you are coming from north, take Highway 6 through Eureka. You will then turn East on Paul Bunyan Road from Highway 6 until you can’t go any further.

When you can’t drive any further on Paul Bunyan Road, you will be at the trailhead. Paul Bunyan Road is a dirt, but a 4WD vehicle isn’t needed unless it is muddy. The terrain is fairly level and most vehicles won’t have a problem getting to the trailhead. There are several dirt roads in the area so make sure you get on the right one off Highway 6. Make sure to put “Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile” in maps when you have reception.

MAPS 

MORE INFO

Utah Geological Survey

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Tintic Train Tunnel (40 minutes)

Sunstone Knoll (1 hour 8 minutes)

Meadow Hot Springs (1 hour 30 minutes)