You might think the Petrified Forest only offers short, easy walks, but the park actually holds varied hikes that test your expectations. You’ll find family-friendly loops like Crystal Forest and Giant Logs, scenic drives with short stops, and longer backcountry routes if you want a real challenge. I’ll outline the best options, safety tips, and a one-day plan so you can pick the right trails for your pace and time.
Top Family-Friendly Trails to Explore
When you visit Petrified Forest National Park with kids, several short, accessible trails let you experience petrified wood, ancient ruins, and sweeping badlands without a long hike. You’ll find family-friendly trails that suit strollers and varied abilities: Crystal Forest Trail is a 0.8-mile loop showcasing abundant petrified wood; Giant Logs Trail is a 0.5-mile, stroller-friendly path near the Rainbow Forest Visitor Center; Blue Mesa Trail offers a 1-mile loop with dramatic badlands and scenic views. For a quick, educational outing, Puerco Pueblo Trail is just 0.3 miles and exposes ancient Puebloan ruins and petroglyphs. The 1.2-mile Painted Desert Rim Trail adds interpretive signs and broad panoramas. These short hikes maximize learning and accessibility without sacrificing scenery.
Best Scenic Drives and Short Walks
If you want to see the park’s highlights without committing to long hikes, drive the 28.6-mile Petrified Forest Scenic Drive and hop out at short, rewarding walks—like the 1.2-mile Painted Desert Rim Trail for sweeping views and interpretive signs, the stroller-friendly 0.5-mile Giant Logs Trail to admire Old Faithful and other iconic specimens, the 0.8-mile Crystal Forest loop to view abundant petrified wood, and the 0.3-mile Puerco Pueblo Trail to explore Puebloan ruins and petroglyphs. You’ll move efficiently through Petrified Forest National Park, sampling diverse landscapes from painted badlands to juniper-dotted mesas. These short hikes deliver high value: clear routes, educational signage, close-up encounters with petrified wood, and easy access from pullouts—ideal if you want memorable views without strenuous hiking.
Longer Hikes and Backcountry Routes
Though shorter walks let you sample the park, longer hikes and backcountry routes are where Petrified Forest reveals its deeper geology, quieter landscapes, and real navigational challenges—so plan carefully, know your limits, and carry water, a map, and sun protection. You’ll find options from strenuous to exploratory: the Pilot Rock Trail is the longest at about 17.3 miles with 1,715 feet elevation gain for experienced hikers; Onyx Bridge Trail is a 4.0-mile moderate route that demands navigation to reach scenic overlooks and distinct geological formations; Billings Gap Overlook Trail is a 2.2-mile social backcountry route revealing less-visited terrain. Historic Blue Forest Trail (2.6 miles) pairs with Blue Mesa for abundant petrified wood, while the Tawa Trail links to the Painted Desert Rim Trail.
Tips for Staying Safe and Comfortable on the Trails
Because Petrified Forest is arid, exposed, and often remote, you’ll need to plan for heat, sun, wind, and limited services—carry plenty of water, wear sun protection and sturdy shoes, and check forecasts before you go. Bring ample water and prioritize hydration; sip regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing—wide-brim hats and long sleeves cut UV exposure. Check weather forecasts for high winds or storms that can make trails hazardous. Wear hiking shoes with good traction to handle loose dirt and uneven terrain. Tell someone your route, carry offline maps, and stick to marked routes where possible. Dress in layers for shifting temperatures. These steps reduce risks and keep your focus on enjoying the park safely.
How to Plan a One-Day Park Itinerary
After you’ve covered safety basics and packed water, sunscreen, and proper footwear, map out a focused one-day route to make the most of Petrified Forest’s highlights. Begin at the Rainbow Forest Museum to learn geology and get oriented, then follow Petrified Forest Road to reach nearby trails. You’ll hit the Crystal Forest Trail and Giant Logs Trail early—both are short, family-friendly, and ideal for close-up photos of petrified wood. Midday, do the Blue Mesa Trail loop for striking badland views. Save the Painted Desert Rim Trail for late afternoon to catch panoramic vistas as light warms the colors. Check park hours (8 am to 5 pm) and pace stops so your one-day park itinerary stays realistic.
- Start: Rainbow Forest Museum + Crystal Forest Trail
- Mid: Giant Logs Trail + Blue Mesa Trail
- Finish: Painted Desert Rim Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Not Miss in Petrified Forest National Park?
You shouldn’t miss petrified wood, ancient fossils, scenic viewpoints and desert landscapes; visit the visitor center for park history, follow hiking tips, watch for wildlife sightings, study geological formations and use photography spots for lasting memories.
What Is the Best Trail in the Petrified Forest National Park?
Want the top trail? You’ll favor Blue Mesa for scenery, though Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, Long Logs, Jasper Forest, Echo Canyon, Painted Desert Rim Trail, Agate House and Puerco Pueblo all deliver unique vistas and fossilized wonders.
How Much Time Do You Need at Petrified Forest National Park?
You’ll need at least 3–4 hours, but plan a full day for better time management; check park accessibility, hiking seasons, trail difficulty and park regulations at the visitor center, follow safety tips, enjoy photography spots, family activities, wildlife observation.
What State Is Ranked #1 for Hiking?
Colorado’s commonly ranked #1 for hiking. Crisp, compelling Colorado: you’ll find best hiking destinations, hiking gear essentials, scenic trail recommendations, hiking safety tips, family friendly hikes, hiking season guide, trail maintenance importance, hiking etiquette rules, wildlife observation opportunities, hiking photography tips.
Conclusion
You’ve got trails that sparkle with fossilized wood and open badlands that stretch like a painted desert—so pick a loop that fits your pace. Walk among giant logs at sunrise, drive overlooks that unfold like a storybook, or tackle a long ridge for a quiet, wind-swept summit. Stay hydrated, watch the map, and respect fragile ruins. With smart planning, you’ll leave feeling small beneath ancient stone and wildly inspired by its silence.
