News Release

Adventure With a Ranger in the Backcountry of the Petrified Forest National Park!

Date: February 7, 2024
Contact: Victoria Philpott, 928-524-6228 options 0, then ask to be transferred to ext. 238

Petrified Forest, AZ—Experience the vast painted desert views with inspiring archeology in the park while we celebrate Arizona Archeology month.

Reservations required, no children under 12 years of age, and no pets.

Contact: Victoria Philpott
Phone: [phone] options 0, then ask to be transferred to ext. 238
Email: [e-mail]

Friday, March 1, 2024
Guided Backcountry Hike: Mountain Lion Mesa Ramble          
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.

Saturday, March 2, 2024
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon 
Difficulty: Easy/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 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.

Friday, March 8, 2024
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 9, 2024
Guided Backcountry Hike: Haystacks       
Difficulty: Easy
Hike 4 miles round trip to a prominent landmark. Highlights include panoramic views and geological and archaeological features. Be prepared to hike 5 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain approximately 250 feet, rated easy.

Friday, March 22, 2024
Guided Backcountry Hike: Siltstone          
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 7 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 7 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain approximately 400 feet, rated moderate.

Saturday, March 23, 2024
Guided Backcountry Hike: Flattops Circumnavigation  
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 6 miles round trip to traverses a variety of terrains, past archaeological sites, and colorful geologic formations. Be prepared to hike approximately 6 hours over rugged desert terrain in off trail conditions, average elevation gain about 400 feet, and rated moderate.

Friday, March 29, 2024
Guided Backcountry Hike: Deadwash Overlook  
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hike 6 miles through grasslands past Black Forest petrified wood out to an overlook of the remote Dead Wash drainage. Be prepared to hike approximately 6 hours over desert terrain with rugged foot trails to the petroglyphs, average elevation gain about 475, rated Strenuous due to multiple ascents and descents.  

Saturday, March 30, 2024
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond    
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 5 miles round trip over undulating terrain to experience abundant, ancient rock art. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain about 225 feet, and rated moderate.