Crystal Forest Loop

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

4.3/5

based on 4 reviews

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Details

Distance

0.92 miles

Elevation Gain

49 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jared Blitz

Crystal Forest Loop is a short trail surrounded by captivating petrified wood that has turned into stone and or crystallized.

There really isn't much to this hike beyond exploring all the different types of petrified wood deposits. It's named after the wood that has formed in the petrified logs. I felt like it was the best place to go in the park to have an opportunity to see a diverse array of petrified wood in one place.

If you go in the summer just make sure you carry water because you're completely exposed.

I imagine the snow in the winter would provide an even better experience for photographers.

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Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildlife

ADA Accessible

Reviews

PRO

Lucas Bremer

PRO

Crystal Forest Loop

09/22/20

This is the one hike you have to do if only visiting the park for a short period of time.

5.0

Crystal Sibson

Crystal Forest Loop

08/14/20

This is a short hike that lets you see the giant pieces of petrified wood. Great for all skill levels

4.0

Laura Hill

Crystal Forest Loop

08/01/20

Short and sweet! Great examples of the petrified wood, lots of great photo opportunities.

4.0

Brittany Shiver

Crystal Forest Loop

03/02/18

This is a pretty small and flat trail that gives you the opportunity to check out all the insanely huge pieces of petrified wood in this park. If you are into rocks and gems and the desert, this is definitely for you - the petrification gives the wood an insanely glassy, otherworldly look and feel. If you aren’t big on rocks, you may want to pass - this is less of a hike and more of a geology lesson.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Crystal Forest Loop

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Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Photograph the Agate Bridge

Drive the Blue Mesa Scenic Road in Petrified Forest National Park

Hike the Giant Logs and Long Logs trail to the Agate House

Blue Forest Trail

Blue Mesa Trail

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