There are many short unnamed
trails in the park. Check at the Visitor Center for details.
Backcountry hiking is allowed. No permit is required for day use. The wilderness trailhead is behind the Painted Desert Inn.
Hiked
Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions of these trails:
| Agate House Trail |
| Distance: |
2 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
5,464 to 5,486 feet. |
Total Ascent: |
22 feet. |
| Trailhead: |
From the Rainbow Forest Museum (34 48.933N; 109 51.847W). |
| Description: |
To a partially restored pueblo of petrified wood (34 48.297N; 109 51.705W). |
| Blue Mesa Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile loop |
Rating: |
Easy to Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
5,624 to 5,502 feet. |
Total Ascent: |
122 feet. |
| Trailhead: |
Off of the Blue Mesa loop road at a picnic area (34 56.365N; 109 45.373W). |
| Description: |
A self-guiding trail through the badlands, with log falls. |
| Crystal Forest Trail |
| Distance: |
.8 mile loop |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
|
| Trailhead: |
Off of the Crystal Forest parking area. |
| Description: |
A paved trail through a landscape of exquisitely colorful petrified logs that once held glassy amethyst and quartz crystals. |
| Giant Logs Trail |
| Distance: |
.4 mile loop |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
5,509 feet. |
Total Ascent: |
|
| Trailhead: |
From the Rainbow Forest Museum (34 48.933N; 109 51.847W). |
| Description: |
This paved trail has stairs and passes the Park's largest log, "Old Faithful." Near Map Coordinates (NAD83): 34 49.010N; 109 52.039W. |
| Kachina Point and Rim Trail |
| Distance: |
Short walk |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
|
| Trailhead: |
At Kachina Point (35 05.027N; 109 47.322W). |
| Description: |
Extensive views of the Painted Desert. |
| Long Logs Trail |
| Distance: |
1.6 mile loop |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
5,493 feet. |
Total Ascent: |
|
| Trailhead: |
From the Rainbow Forest Museum (34 48.933N; 109 51.847W). |
| Description: |
Through the Park's largest concentration of petrified wood (34 48.605N; 109 51.427W). |
| Tawa Point and Rim Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
5,853 to 5,828 feet. |
Total Ascent: |
25 feet. |
| Trailhead: |
From either Tawa Point (35 04.807N; 109 47.026W) or Kachina Point (35 05.027N; 109 47.322W) parking areas. |
| Description: |
Between Tawa and Kachina points. An unpaved trail with wayside exhibits and plant identification signs. |
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