Petroglyph Canyon is an area near Rainbow Forest in the Petrified Forest National Park with many petroglyphs and fascinating erosional landforms, accessed by an old road that was made in the 1930s and closed in the 1950s. A guided hike to the canyon and other sites is available to the public next month.
Petroglyph Canyon is an area near Rainbow Forest in the Petrified Forest National Park with many petroglyphs and fascinating erosional landforms, accessed by an old road that was made in the 1930s and closed in the 1950s. A guided hike to the canyon and other sites is available to the public next month. Photo by Stuart Holmes/NPS

Learn about the past by joining a ranger for a guided hike into the beautiful and ancient landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park. Expect off trail conditions that include rocky and rugged desert terrain. Reservations required.

Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s

Butte & Beyond

On Friday, March 14, hike five miles round trip over undulating terrain to an ancient rock art site. Be prepared to hike approximately five hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain is about 225 feet and rated moderate.

Guided Backcountry

Hike: Starving Man

On Friday, March 21, hike six miles round trip to boulders covered in petroglyphs and continue to badlands with ascending high ridge panoramic views. Be prepared to hike approximately 6 hours over rugged desert terrain, up and around a mesa with an average elevation gain about 300 feet and rated moderate.

Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Mesa

On Friday, March 28, hike 7.5 miles round trip to a major rock art site in the park’s northern wilderness. Be prepared to hike approximately 7 hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions with an average elevation gain about 550 feet, and rated strenuous except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional.

Guided Backcountry Hike: BARK

Ranger Walkabout

On Saturday, March 29, hike three miles round trip through the badlands with your dog. Highlights include panoramic views and geological features. Be prepared to hike two hours in off-trail conditions with an average elevation gain approximately 200 feet, rated easy.

Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon

On Friday, April 4, hike 3.5 miles round trip to an old foot trail constructed in the 1930s. The trail, which is challenging, provides views to dozens of petroglyphs. Be prepared to hike approximately three hours through off-trail conditions, including climbing rocky conditions with an average elevation gain about 200 feet, and rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional.