The Petrified Forest National Park will be hosting a number of hikes throughout the month of March. For each of these hikes, be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. Most hikes are limited to 15 participants with restrictions and allowances listed for each hike. Call (515) 724-4493 for further information and to register.
The only fee is the cost to enter the park. A seven-day pass is $25 per automobile, $15 per person with a bicycle or $20 per motorcycle. An annual pass is $45.
Sunday, March 1
Guided Backcountry Hike: Red Basin/Clam Beds
Take a long hike to and through colorful geologic features, including some in recently acquired lands. Meet at 9:30 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. This hike will finish at approximately 4 p.m. It is approximately eight to 8.5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG (accumulated elevation gain) is about 600 feet. Rated “strenuous” due to length. No pets please on this hike.
Saturday, March 7
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon
This is a short, easy walk to an old interpretive area featuring a foot trail constructed in the 1930s. The trail to a large number of petroglyphs can be challenging. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Rainbow Forest picnic area via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180. This hike will finish at approximately 12:30 p.m. It is approximately 3.5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 200 feet. Rated “easy” except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional. No pets please on this hike.
Saturday, March 7
Guided Hike: Long Logs & Agate House
A short, easy walk on a developed trail through the site of a Triassic log jam. Admire especially long petrified tree trunks and learn about the history of the area. Included is a walk to the Agate House, a reconstructed pueblo made of petrified wood. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Rainbow Forest picnic area via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180. This hike will finish at approximately 3:30 p.m. It is approximately 2.6 miles round trip. Pets are welcome on this hike.
Sunday, March 8
Guided Backcountry Hike: Sorrel Horse Mesa
Take a scenic hike through colorful geologic features, including the Brad Traver Overlook, within the recently acquired land of Sorrel Horse Mesa. Accessed only with a guide, four-wheel-drive transportation is provided to this remote area. Meet at 9:30 a.m. by taking the left pullout along Blue Mesa Loop Road via the north park entrance from I-40, exit 311. Once you turn off the main park road for Blue Mesa, drive 1.7 miles to the pullout. This hike will finish at approximately 4 p.m. It is approximately six to 6.5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 500 feet. Rated “moderate.” No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a one hour drive each way. This hike is limited to 12 participants.
Saturday, March 14
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Mesa
Hike to a remote, major rock art site in the park’s northern wilderness. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Route 66 pullout between Milepost 5 and 6 via the north park entrance from I-40, Exit 311. This hike will finish at approximately 4 p.m. It is about 7.25 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is approximately 550 feet. Rated “moderate.” No pets please on this hike.
Sunday, March 15
Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Blue Forest
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! At 9:30 a.m. meet at the roadside pullout at the Tepees area near Mile Marker 14 on the northbound (east) side of the park road via the north park entrance from I-40, Exit 311. This hike will finish at approximately 12 p.m. This hike traverses the trail and beyond through rugged, beautiful badlands. The route includes steep ascents and descents and is about four miles round trip. The AEG about 425 feet. The rating is “challenging.” Trekking poles are encouraged. No pets please on this hike.
Saturday, March 21
Guided Backcountry Hike: Jasper Forest
Access a high concentration of the beautiful petrified wood of Jasper Forest on foot during the park road closure. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Crystal Forest parking area near Mile Marker 20 via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180. This hike will finish at approximately 4 p.m. It is approximately six miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 325 feet. Rated “moderate.” No pets please on this hike.
Sunday, March 22
Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Rainbow Forest Road
An easy walk through Rainbow Canyon, once a major visitation feature in the 1800s. Included will be passage along the historic, petrified wood paved road that early visitors traveled. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work will also be explored. Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180 at 10 a.m. This hike will finish at approximately 2 p.m. It is nearly 4.75 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is about 225 feet. Rated “easy.” Pets welcome on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants. Call (515) 724-4493 for further information and to register.
Saturday, March 28
Guided Backcountry Hike: Wilderness Loop
Hike into the park’s “Black Forest” area to experience some of the largest and youngest (geologically speaking) petrified trees in the park. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Painted Desert Inn via the north park entrance from I-40, Exit 311. This hike will finish at 4:30 p.m. It is about eight miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG approximately 700 feet. Rated “strenuous” due to length. No pets please on this hike.
Sunday, March 29
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond
Ramble over undulating terrain to experience abundant, ancient rock art. Meet at 10 a.m. at the dirt pullout at Mile Marker 22 via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180. This hike will finish at approximately 3 p.m. This hike is about five miles round trip in off-trail conditions. The AEG is approximately 225 feet. Rating is “moderate.” No pets please on this hike.
