Ranger-curated one-day highlights itinerary for Petrified Forest National Park.
Itinerary
Ranger-curated Petrified Forest day with badlands hikes and scenic drive stops.
Sunrise at Painted Desert overlook
This unpaved trail winds 1-mile round trip through the rim woodland, a place for chance encounters of many species of plants and animals and spectacular views of the Painted Desert.
Best light for the painted badlands.
Arrive early for the best color.
Blue Mesa Trail
Visitors walk along the spectacular Blue Mesa Trail.
Classic badlands loop.
Carry water; trail is exposed.
Crystal Forest
Walk Crystal Forest Trail for one of the best opportunities to experience the petrified wood deposits as it loops through rolling gray and purple badlands.
Walk among petrified logs.
Stay on trails; collecting wood is illegal.
Newspaper Rock
Short walk to petroglyph panels.
Best mid-day light for petroglyphs.
Rainbow Forest Museum
The Rainbow Forest Museum is the original HQ of the park, now an historic site. There are paleontological exhibits, a bookstore, visitor center, and trail. Be sure to look for the historic diorama that was made in the 1930s at University of California at Berkeley.
Finish with geology exhibits and shade.
Refill water before the drive out.
Sunset at Pintado Point
Wide views and warm light.
Arrive early for a quiet spot.
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1
Day
6
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
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