Come out and explore the beauty and wonder of the Petrified Forest National Park with guided backcountry hikes throughout the month of January. Each hike is limited to 15 participants. The hikes are free but participants must pay the cost of park admission which is $25 per vehicle good for seven days. Be sure to call (515) 724-4493 for further information and to register for each hike.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Historic Blue Forest Trail
The Blue Forest Trail was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), with the trail rehabilitated in 2013 for adventurous hikers like yourselves! This hike traverses the trail and beyond through rugged, beautiful badlands. The route includes steep ascents and descents and is about four-mile round trip. The accumulated elevation gain (AEG) is about 425 feet. This hike rating is challenging. Trekking poles are encouraged. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Park at the roadside pullout at the Tepees area near mile marker 14 on the northbound (east) side of the road.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Haystacks
Hike to a prominent landmark. Highlights include panoramic views and geological and archaeological features. This hike is approximately four miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 250 feet. This hike is rated easy. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Park at roadside pullout near the Tepees at mile marker 14.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Blue Mesa Walkabout
A tour around a landmark in the center of the park through some of the oldest terrain with a variety of geological, paleontological and archaeological features. Approximately six to six and a half miles in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 600 feet. The rating is moderate due to distance. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. Meet at 10 a.m. at the pullout along Blue Mesa Loop Road. Once you turn off the main park road for Blue Mesa, drive 1.7 miles to the pullout.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Titanic
Hike in some of the oldest exposed terrain in the park through other worldly landscapes. This hike is approximately five and a half miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 425 feet and is rated moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Tepees near mile marker 14. Park at paved pullout on west side of highway.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Bidahochi
This hike is a short, steep descent from the Bidahochi Formation to the oasis on the Lithodendron flood plain. Visit geologic features and some of the largest petrified logs in the park. This hike is approximately four and a half to five miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 600 feet. Rated challenging due to steep and rocky descent and ascent. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Chinde Point picnic area.
