The Best Hiking in Petrified Forest National Park

Old Jasper Forest Road is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.

Although short, the Blue Forest Trail is one of the most unexpectedly coolest hikes I've been on.  It's kind of strange to hike in what used to be a dense forest/swamp area that is now a barren desert full of petrified wood. Parking for this trail is just north of the Blue Mesa Loop in a pullout...

Blue Hills Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Chambers, Arizona.

This is probably one of the most scenic drives in the Petrified Forest National Park.  From the main road, the loop is only three miles long.  There are many pullouts along the loop where you can get out of your vehicle to snap some photos.  You will see many large pieces of petrified wood strewn...

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 p...

The easiest route is to drive from the southern entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park and head north toward the 3.5 mile Blue Mesa Scenic Drive.  The drive itself is nice and offers other hikes depending on what pullout you stop your car.  For the Blue Mesa Trail look for the 3rd or 4th ...

Puerco Pueblo Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.

Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Woodruff, Arizona.

Giant Logs Trail is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Holbrook, Arizona.

Both trails begin from the Rainbow Forest Museum located at the southern entrance of the National Park. Start with the Giant Logs trail which will take you on a short .4 mi paved loop through magnificently colored wood. Make sure to stop at the top of the trail by "Old Faithful" which is almost 1...

Devil's Playground Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sun Valley, Arizona.

Painted Desert Rim Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chambers, Arizona.

Onyx Bridge Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chambers, Arizona.

The Painted Desert is sprawling, its reach extends from the Four Corners, west to the Grand Canyon and south to Petrified Forest National Park. In total it encompasses 7,500 square miles and is full of colorful mesas that are worthy of its name. In Petrified Forest National Park you can head out ...

Buffalo Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Saint Johns, Arizona.

Fool Hollow Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Show Low, Arizona.