Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Petrified Forest, AZ- Tired of staying indoors from the summer heat? Need to get away from work and the city noise? Hike the beautiful Painted Desert with a Ranger! Enjoy peaceful spectacular fall views of the park while you get some steps in!

Hikes are free with entrance fee. Reservations required and limited to 10 participants per hike. Hikers should come prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. There is little to no shade on the hikes. No pets (exception for the Bark Ranger hike) nor children under the age of 12 on hikes. Inclement weather and extreme mud will cancel the hike. To make a reservation or for more information call 928-524-6228 x238, leave a message if no answer.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Guided Backcountry Hike: Four Bridges Difficulty: Strenuous

Hike 6 milesround trip into the Painted Desert to Onyx Bridge and three lesser-known bridges in off¬ trail desert wilderness conditions. Be prepared to hike 6 hours with an average elevationgain of 675 feet. Rating is strenuous due to the steep 600-foot switchback.

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Guided Backcountry Hike: Red Basin Clam Beds Difficulty: Strenuous

Hike 8.5 milesround trip throughcolorful geologic features, including some in recently acquired lands. Be prepared to hike approximately 7 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain of 600 feet, and rated strenuous due to length.

Friday, October 13, 2023

Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Blue Forest Road Difficulty: Challenging

Hike 4 miles round trip on the Historic Blue Forest Trail constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC), 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 3 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain of 425 feet, and rated challenging.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Guided Backcountry Hike: Painted Desert Saunter Difficulty: Moderate

Hike 5.5 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, average elevation gain of 300 feet, and rated moderate.

Friday, November 3, 2023

Guided Backcountry Hike: Devils Playground Difficulty: Easy

Walk 4 miles round trip and experience historic expedition routes through the Painted Desert as you hike with Park archeologists to a 19th century mail stop. Discover historic inscriptions along the mesa edges as you follow in the footsteps of some of the first Euro-Americans to traverse this region. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 hours over rugged desert terrain and wash walking, average elevation gain of 100 feet, rated easy, hiking in washes which may be muddy. A high-clearance vehicle is necessary to access the Devils Playground area.

This is a view of the mountains from FR 128.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Guided Backcountry Hike: Jasper Forest Road-Bark Ranger Hike Difficulty: Easy

Hike 3 miles round trip with your Bark Ranger along a vintage 1930s-era roadbed among beautiful, petrified logs. Be prepared to hike approximately 2-3 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain of 150 feet, and rated easy. Bark Ranger limited to 1 dog per person and must get along with people and other animals.

For More Information

Sarah Herve

She/Her/Hers

Chief of Interpretation

Petrified Forest National Park

928-524-6228 ext 245

9282414174 Work Cell