News Release

Celebrate Arizona Archeology month with a hike at Petrified Forest National Park!

Date: February 12, 2025
Contact: Victoria Philpott, 928-241-8694

Celebrate Arizona Archeology month with a hike at Petrified Forest National Park!
Petrified Forest, AZ–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.
 
Friday, March 14, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond  
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 5 miles round trip over undulating terrain to an ancient rock art site. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain is about 225 feet and rated moderate. 
 
Friday, March 21, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Starving Man           
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 6 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 average elevation gain about 300 feet and rated moderate.  
 
Friday, March 28, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: 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 7 hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions, average elevation gain about 550 feet, and rated strenuous except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional. 
 
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: BARK Ranger Walkabout  
Difficulty: Easy
Hike 3 miles round trip through the badlands with your dog. Highlights include panoramic views and geological features. Be prepared to hike 2 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain approximately 200 feet, rated easy.  
 
Friday, April 4, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon 
Difficulty: Easy/Challenging
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 3 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.