5 Must-Hike Trails of Petrified Forest National Park
Established in 1962 and lying in the relatively remote section of northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park offers a glimpse into the ancient history of North America. From the vibrant Painted Desert in the northern region of the park to the namesake petrified wood found throughout the landscape, Petrified Forest National Park creates lifelong memories for all who visit this magical wilderness.
While the lone park road allows for excellent views of this exotic wonderland, there is nothing quite like getting out on the trail for a truly immersive experience into Petrified Forest National Park.
So let’s check out 5 must-hike trails through this incredible National Park!
The stunning Painted Desert from the Painted Desert Rim Trail
Painted Desert Rim Trail
The 1 mile (round trip) Painted Desert Rim Trail offers stunning views of the vibrant Painted Desert as you wind along the rim. While the trail has minimal elevation gain, the natural surface may prove difficult to navigate for those with strollers.
As you walk along the Painted Desert Rim Trail, the incredible and historic Painted Desert Inn is framed by the colorful Painted Desert itself.
Like all trails within Petrified Forest National Park, dogs are allowed, so be sure to bring your furry friend along to soak up the views of this unique landscape together!
The Puerco Pueblo Trail provides a glimpse into the ancient history of Petrified Forest National Park
2. Puerco Pueblo Trail
The 0.3 mile paved loop of the Puerco Pueblo Trail may not provide the excitement of a trail hugging a cliffs edge like you might find at Zion or Grand Canyon National Park, but it does provide one of the most complete and unspoiled views into the past. The many ruins scattered along the trail, as well as some of the clearest and closest petroglyphs in the area make this short, easy trail incredibly rewarding. Make sure to add the Puerco Pueblo Trail to your plans on your next trip to Petrified Forest National Park.
The striking Blue Mesa Trail at Petrified Forest National Park
3. Blue Mesa Trail
Of all the trails at Petrified Forest National Park, the Blue Mesa Trail is arguably the most famous. The 1 mile loop winding through the Blue Mesa region brings you right to the base of the incredible badlands of Petrified Forest National Park. The Blue Mesa Trail starts and ends with a steep grade, but the entire trail is paved, and the views are second to none!
The Agate House at Petrified Forest National Park
4. Agate House/Long Logs Trail
Located at the southern end of the park is the very impressive Agate House and Long Logs Trails. These trails are best enjoyed as a single, 2.6 mile loop through this region which allows you to explore the incredible Agate House, as well as explore one of the densest collections of petrified wood in the park throughout the Long Logs Trail. The combined loop consists of both paved and natural terrain with minimum elevation gain. Alongside the incredible sights of massive petrified wood and badlands, this region of the park is abundant with an assortment of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore the Agate House and Long Logs Trail of Petrified Forest National Park!
The Jasper Forest Trail at Petrified Forest National Park
5. Jasper Forest Trail
One of the best features of Petrified Forest National Park is the Off The Beaten Path trails within the park. This collection of 8 “trails” allows for intrepid explorers to step off the marked trails, use their navigational skills, and truly explore the wilderness of Petrified Forest National Park. All of these trails are completely unmarked and typically have no obvious “trail” to follow due to the ever changing bentonite clay surface making up most of the park.
The Jasper Forest Trail is one of the Off The Beaten Path trails within Petrified Forest National Park. The 2.5 mile (round trip) trail winds through the badlands of the park and leads you to one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood found anywhere within the park. The Jasper Forest Trail has minimal elevation gain, but can be incredibly difficult to follow. Be sure to talk with Park Rangers prior to beginning your backcountry journey to get some additional details on this truly unique feature of Petrified Forest National Park!
