Nestled in a corner of Utah lies a beautiful and mysterious place. This is the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, home to breathtaking views and petrified wood. But, if the rumors are true, it’s also home to an ancient curse. Legend has it that anyone who removes a rock from this park will be cursed with bad luck. While there is no concrete evidence that the curse is real, there have been numerous reports of accidents and misfortunes befalling those who have taken rocks from the park. So, if you’re planning a visit to this beautiful corner of Utah, admire the petrified wood… but leave it where it lies. Unless, of course, you’re feeling lucky.
The Origins of the Curse
The origin story behind this mysterious curse dates back many centuries ago. According to local legend, a disgruntled Navajo medicine man placed the hex after his tribe’s reservation was reduced in size to make way for the creation of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. He believed that by placing a ban on all visitors taking any rocks or wood with them when they left, he would be able to protect his tribe’s land from further desecration and exploitation. Whether or not he succeeded in doing so remains unclear—but what is certain is that his curse still lives on today.
Reports of Misfortune
Since its creation in 1996, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park has been visited by thousands of people every year—and yet despite their best intentions, many visitors have still found themselves unwittingly caught up in its dark history and an alleged curse. There have been numerous reports over the years of accidents and misfortunes befalling those who have removed rocks or other items from within its boundaries—including stories of car accidents occurring shortly after leaving the park as well as tales of unexpected financial woes and personal tragedies befalling individuals who ignore its warnings not to take anything away with them when they leave. Whether these stories are true or just urban legends remains unknown—but one thing is certain; they serve as an ever-present reminder that even today we must respect our environment and those who inhabit it.
Whether or not you believe in curses and superstitions doesn’t matter when it comes to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park; even if you don’t think twice about defying its warnings against taking anything away with you when leaving its grounds, chances are you’ll think twice before doing so again if something unfortunate happens shortly thereafter! With its stunning natural beauty and mysterious origins, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park should be on your list of places to visit in Utah—just remember to leave everything exactly as you found it! After all, admiring nature doesn’t require taking anything away from it; sometimes just being able to appreciate its beauty is enough reward in itself!