Easy hikes and walks in Petrified Forest National Park

The Jasper Forest Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a landscape dominated by vibrant petrified wood, making it one of the most unique hiking experiences in Petrified Forest National Park. This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) route, with a minimal 83 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 42 minutes to complete and is rated easy. You'll wander through a desert valley, past sandy bluffs, and discover massive, colorful petrified logs and countless smaller shards, especially around the Jasper Forest Overlook area.

While the initial descent is straightforward, much of the trail follows an unmaintained old road, meaning the path can be faint and requires some navigational awareness. It's an "Off the Beaten Path" experience, so be ready for self-guided exploration. After rain, the ground can become very slick due to bentonite clay, so check conditions. No specific permits are needed, but always carry water and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day.

What truly sets this trail apart is its exceptionally dense concentration of petrified wood, considered by many to be the best display in the entire park. Historically known as the "First Forest," it was the initial large accumulation of petrified wood encountered by early visitors. The route also follows an abandoned 1930s road, adding a historical layer to your exploration of this ancient, colorful landscape.

The Painted Desert Rim Trail is an easy 0.8-mile (1.2 km) hike that offers continuous, stunning views of the Painted Desert's vibrant badlands. With only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, this 19-minute stroll feels like stepping onto another planet, showcasing an undulating landscape of orange, green, and purple formations. The path is a generally smooth, unpaved dirt trail, making it accessible for most, including families, and provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique environment.

You can start this route from either Tawa Point or Kachina Point, both of which have parking available. While the trail is straightforward, strong winds are common on the mesa, so packing a windbreaker is a smart move. The views are constantly changing with the light, making any time of day a good time to visit, but early morning or late afternoon often offer the most dramatic colors.

This trail is a fantastic way to experience the geology of the Painted Desert, with its colors resulting from mineral contents deposited over 200 million years ago. It's also a good spot for birdwatching, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom. Don't miss the historic Painted Desert Inn near Kachina Point, a National Historic Landmark with ties to Route 66, adding a layer of cultural history to your natural exploration.

The Devil's Playground Loop offers an immersive journey into the remote, otherworldly badlands of Petrified Forest National Park. As you hike, you'll navigate washes and rugged terrain, discovering striking geological formations like hoodoos and magical rock formations. The trail is adorned with fields of ancient petrified wood and crystals, showcasing vibrant blues, purples, and grays, making for a truly unique visual experience.

To embark on this adventure, you'll need a wilderness permit, which can be acquired on the day of your hike from the north visitor center; permits are limited, so plan accordingly. The 3.4-mile (5.4 km) loop, with its 208 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes. Always carry plenty of water, especially between February and November, which is the best time to visit, and remember that dogs are welcome on a leash.

This trail stands out as one of Petrified Forest National Park's most distinctive and secluded hikes, offering a rare chance for solitude amidst its unique geology and paleontological history. It provides an exceptional exploration of the park's ancient past, allowing you to get up close with massive boulders and expansive, colorful scenery that defines the painted desert.

The Crystal Forest Trail offers a unique journey through a landscape dotted with ancient, colorful petrified wood. This easy 0.8-mile (1.3 km) paved loop, with only 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 20 minutes to complete, making it an ideal hike for all ages. You'll marvel at logs sparkling with quartz and other minerals, displaying a vibrant palette of reds, purples, and yellows, all set against the backdrop of the Painted Desert badlands.

To make the most of your visit, aim for the morning or late afternoon when the sun's angle enhances the petrified wood's colors and the temperatures are more comfortable. The trail is located within Petrified Forest National Park, and while you can get up close to the fossils, remember that collecting any petrified wood is strictly forbidden. A shade shelter is available near the trailhead for a quick rest.

What truly sets this trail apart is its exceptional concentration of petrified wood, some logs measuring nearly 120 feet (40 meters) and dating back over 200 million years. The high presence of quartz and amethyst crystals within these fossilized trees gives the area its