With fall around the corner brining changing colors and cooler temperatures to the landscape, the hiking season is here! Come see the seasons change with a guided adventure off the beaten path in Petrified Forest National Park.
Guided Hike: Red Basin/Clam Beds
On Friday, Sept. 30, hike 8.5 miles round trip through colorful geologic features, including some in recently acquired lands. Be prepared to hike approximately seven hours in off-trail conditions. Average elevation gain about 600 feet, and rated strenuous due to length.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Onyx Bridge
On Saturday, Oct. 1, hike five miles round trip to Onyx Bridge, a dramatic example of petrified wood eroding out of the Black Forest Bed of the Chinle Formation. Be prepared to hike approximately five hours over rugged desert terrain. Average elevation gain about 400 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Siltstone
On Friday, Oct.7, hike 6.5 to seven miles round trip viewing the three main scientific components of the park: archaeology, paleontology, and biology. A scenic ramble through the geology rich area west of the Flattops. Be prepared to hike approximately five to six hours over rugged desert terrain Average elevation gain about 400 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Jasper Road
On Saturday, Oct. 8, hike 3.5 miles round trip along a vintage 1930s era roadbed among beautiful, petrified logs. Be prepared to hike approximately two to three hours over rugged desert terrain. Average elevation gain of about 150 feet, and rated easy.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond
On Friday, Oct. 14, hike five miles round trip over undulating terrain to experience abundant, ancient rock art. Be prepared to hike approximately five hours over rugged desert terrain. Average elevation gain about 225 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon
On Friday, Oct. 15, hike 3.5 miles round trip to an old interpretive area featuring a foot trail constructed in the 1930s. The trail, which is challenging, provides access to a large number of petroglyphs. Be prepared to hike approximately three hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions. Average elevation gain about 200 feet, and rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Four Bridges
On Friday, Oct. 21, hike six miles round trip into the Painted Desert to Onyx Bridge and three lesser-known bridges. Be prepared to hike approximately five hours over rugged desert terrain in off-trail conditions. Average elevation gain of about 675 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Third Forest
On Saturday, Oct. 22, hike 5.5 miles round trip in the area justifiably named Long Logs. Be prepared to hike approximately four hours in off-trail conditions. Average elevation gain about 300 feet, and rated easy.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Titanic
On Saturday, Oct. 28, hike 5.5 miles round in some of the oldest exposed terrain in the park through other worldly landscapes. Be prepared to hike approximately 5.5 hours over desert terrain in off-trail conditions. Average elevation gain about 425 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Blue Mesa Walkabout
On Saturday, Oct. 29, hike 6.5 miles round trip around a landmark in the center of the park through some of the oldest terrain with a variety of geological, paleontological, and archaeological features. Be prepared to hike approximately six hours over rugged desert terrain in off-trail conditions. Average elevation gain about 600 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Flattops Circumnavigation
On Friday, Nov. 4, hike six miles round trip to traverse a variety of terrains, past archaeological sites, and colorful geologic formations. Be prepared to hike approximately 5.5 hours over rugged desert terrain in off trail conditions. Average elevation gain about 400 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: First Forest overlook
On Saturday, Nov. 5, hike six miles round trip on a varied hike through spectacular petrified wood deposits onto First Forest Mesa with panoramic views of surrounding landscape. Be prepared to hike approximately five hours in off-trail conditions. Average elevation gain about 450 feet, and rated moderate.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Bear Springs
On Friday, Nov. 11, hike seven miles round trip to a historic site on the eastern rim of the Painted Desert. Spectacular views predominate along this route over varied terrain. Be prepared to hike approximately six to 6.5 hours in off-trail conditions. Average elevation gain about 675 feet, and rated strenuous due to length and rolling landscape.
Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Blue Forest
On Saturday, Nov. 12, hike four miles round trip on the Historic Blue Forest Trail constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, with the trail rehabilitated in 2013 for adventurous hikers like yourselves! This hike traverses the trail and beyond through rugged, beautiful badlands, which includes very steep ascents and descents. Be prepared to hike approximately three hours over rugged desert terrain. Average elevation gain about 425 feet, and rated challenging.
Hikes are free with park entrance fee. Reservations are required and limited to 10 participants per hike. Hikers will need to be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, sunscreen and hiking poles. Face masks may be required for entering buildings. Please, no pets or children under the age of 12 on hikes. Inclement weather and extreme mud will cancel hikes. To make a reservation or for more information call 928-524-6228 x276, leave a message if no answer.
