Experience the vast painted desert views with inspiring archeology in the park with guided backcountry hikes in celebration of Arizona Archeology month.
Friday, March 1, Mountain Lion Mesa Ramble Difficulty: Moderate. 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 six hours over rugged desert terrain, up and around a mesa with an average elevation gain of about 300 feet and rated moderate.
Saturday, March 2, Petroglyph Canyon. Difficulty: Easy to challenging. 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. The average elevation gain is about 200 feet and rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional.
Friday, March 8, Petroglyph Mesa Difficulty: Strenuous. Hike 7.5 miles round trip to a major rock art site in the park’s northern wilderness. Be prepared to hike approximately seven hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions. The average elevation gain is about 550 feet, and rated strenuous except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional.
Saturday, March 9, Haystacks. Difficulty: Easy. Hike four miles round trip to a prominent landmark. Highlights include panoramic views and geological and archaeological features. Be prepared to hike five hours in off-trail conditions. The average elevation gain is approximately 250 feet.
Friday, March 22, Siltstone. Difficulty: Moderate. Hike seven miles round trip on a scenic ramble through the geology rich area west of the Flattops. The hike features the three main scientific components of the park: archaeology, paleontology and biology. Be prepared to hike seven hours in off-trail conditions. The average elevation gain is approximately 400 feet.
Saturday, March 23, Flattops Circumnavigation. Difficulty: Moderate. Hike six miles round trip to traverse a variety of terrains, past archaeological sites and colorful geologic formations. Be prepared to hike approximately six hours over rugged desert terrain in off trail conditions. The average elevation gain is about 400 feet.
March 29, Deadwash Overlook. Difficulty: Strenuous. Hike six miles through grasslands past Black Forest petrified wood out to an overlook of the remote Dead Wash drainage. Be prepared to hike approximately six hours over desert terrain with rugged foot trails to the petroglyphs. The average elevation gain is about 475.
Saturday, March 30, Martha’s Butte & Beyond. Difficulty: Moderate. 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. The average elevation gain is about 225 feet.
