Heather Sakurai Guided ActivitiesThe year 2021 gives a new beginning to possible activities. We have our popular backcountry hikes beginning in mid-January and the paleo demo lab has extended its days. We hope to have more in the spring and summer with an eye towards health and safety. Be sure to check our social media pages (scroll down on any page to the links on the lower right) for information and events. Also, watch for roving rangers and volunteers in areas like Puerco Pueblo, Crystal Forest, and Giant Logs for on-the-spot information. Guided Hikes February 2021Friday, February 5 Guided Backcountry Hike: Dead Wash Overlook Park at small paved lot just north of mile marker 7 on east side of road. 10:00 am – approx. 4:00 pm Hike through grasslands past Black Forest petrified wood out to an overlook of the remote Dead Wash drainage. Approximately 5 ½ to 6 miles round trip. AEG about 475. Rated strenuous due to multiple ascents and descents. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, February 6 Guided Backcountry Hike: Painted Desert Saunter Meet at Tiponi overlook. 10:00 am – approx. 2:30 pm A venture into the Painted Desert featuring colorful badlands and scenic views. Approximately 5 to 5 ½ miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 400 feet. Rated moderate. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, February 7 Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond Meet south of mile marker 22 & south of the Dry Wash Bridge, and park on the shoulder on the west side of the road. 10:00 am – approx. 3:00 pm Ramble over undulating terrain to experience abundant, ancient rock art. Hike is about 5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 225 feet. Rating is moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Friday, February 12 Guided Backcountry Hike: Bidahochi Meet at Hozho picnic area. 10:00 am – approx. 3:00 pm A short, steep descent from the Bidahochi Formation to 3 oases on the Lithodendron flood plain. Visit geologic features and some of the largest petrified logs in the park. Approximately 4 ½ to 5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 600 feet. Rated challenging due to steep and rocky descent and ascent. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, February 13 Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Blue Forest Park at the roadside pullout at the Tepees area near mile marker 14 on the northbound (east) side of the road. 9:30 am – approx. 12:30 pm The Blue Forest Trail was 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. The route includes very steep ascents and descents and is about 3.5 miles round trip. AEG about 425 feet. Rating is challenging. Trekking poles are encouraged. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, February 13 Guided Backcountry Hike: Haystacks Meet at the Tepees near mile marker 14 on the southbound (west) side of the road. 1:30 pm – approx. 4:30 pm Hike to a prominent landmark. Highlights include panoramic views and geological and archaeological features. Approximately 4 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 250 feet. Rated easy. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, February 14 Guided Backcountry Hike: Red Basin/Clam Beds Meet at pullout along Blue Mesa Loop Road. Drive 1.7 miles on Blue Mesa Road to the left pullout. 9:30 am- approx. 4:30 pm Take a long hike to and through colorful geologic features, including some in recently acquired lands. Approximately 8 to 8 ½ miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 600 feet. Rated strenuous due to length. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Friday, February 19 Guided Backcountry Hike: Blue Mesa Walkabout Meet at pullout along Blue Mesa Loop Road. Drive 1.7 miles on Blue Mesa Road to the left pullout. 10:00 am – approx. 3:30 pm A tour around a landmark in the center of the park through some of the oldest terrain with a variety of geological, paleontological, and archaeological features. Approximately 6 to 6 ½ miles in off-trail conditions. AEG about 600 feet. Rating is moderate due to distance. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, February 20 Guided Backcountry Hike: Third Forest Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area near the south park entrance. 10:00 am – approx. 2:00 pm A walk in the area justifiably named Long Logs. Approximately 5 to 5 ½ miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 300 feet. Rated easy. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, February 21 Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area near the south park entrance. 9:30 am – approx. 12:30 pm Short, easy walk 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. Approximately 3.5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 200 feet. Rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants who must be age 12 or older. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, February 21 Guided Backcountry Hike: Jasper Road Meet at Jasper Forest overlook parking lot. 1:30 pm – approx. 3:30 pm Enjoy an easy hike along a vintage 1930s era roadbed among beautiful petrified logs. Hike is about 3 miles round trip. AEG about 150 feet. Rated easy. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s off-trail backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Friday, February 26 Guided Backcountry Hike: Siltstone Meet at paved pullout on north side of road at mile marker 24. 10:00 am – approx. 4 pm 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. About 6 ½ to 7 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 400 feet. Rating is moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, February 27 Guided Backcountry Hike: Titanic Meet at the Tepees near mile marker 14. Park at paved pullout on the southbound (west) side of the road. 10:00 am – approx. 3:30 pm Hike in some of the oldest exposed terrain in the park through other worldly landscapes. Approximately 5 ½ miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 425 feet. Rated moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, February 28 Guided Backcountry Hike: Four Bridges Meet at Painted Desert Inn Parking Lot. 10:00 am – approx. 3:15 pm Hike into the Painted Desert to Onyx Bridge and three lesser-known bridges. About 6 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 675 feet. Rating is moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour adventure in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. March 2021 Guided Backcountry HikesFriday, March 5 Guided Backcountry Hike: Red Basin/Clam Beds Meet at pullout along Blue Mesa Loop Road. Drive 1.7 miles on Blue Mesa Road to the left pullout. 9:30 am - approx. 4:30 pm Take a long hike to and through colorful geologic features, including some in recently acquired lands. Approximately 8 to 8 ½ miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 600 feet. Rated strenuous due to length. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, March 6 Guided Backcountry Hike: Agate Mesa Ramble Meet at Agate Bridge Parking Lot 10:00 am – approx. 3:30 pm Multi-hour tour around a prominent landmark in the center of the park which features colorful geological formations and a wide variety of petrified wood. About 6 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 500 feet. Difficulty rating is moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, March 7 Guided Backcountry Hike: Dead Wash Overlook Park at small paved lot just north of mile marker 7 on east side of road. 10:00 am – approx. 4:00 pm Hike through grasslands past Black Forest petrified wood out to an overlook of the remote Dead Wash drainage. Approximately 5 ½ to 6 miles round trip. AEG about 475. Rated strenuous due to multiple ascents and descents. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Friday, March 12 Guided Backcountry Hike: Wilderness Loop Meet at Painted Desert Inn parking lot 9:30 am – approx. 4:00 pm Hike into the park’s ‘Black Forest’ area to experience some of the largest and youngest (geologically speaking) petrified trees in the park. About 8 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 700 feet. Rated strenuous due to length. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, March 13 Guided Backcountry Hike: “Starving Man” Meet at unpaved, pullouts midway between mile markers 21 and 22 on main park highway. 10 am – approx. 2:30 pm Hike to a petroglyphs covered boulder. Continue to badlands and ascend a high ridge with panoramic views. About 5 to 5 ½ miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 300 feet. Rated moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, March 14 Guided Backcountry Hike: Bear Spring Meet at Painted Desert Inn 10:00 am – approx. 3:30 pm A scenic trek to a historic site on the eastern rim of the Painted Desert. Spectacular views predominate along this route over varied terrain. Approximately 7 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 675 feet. Rated strenuous due to the length and rolling landscape. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Friday, March 19 Guided Backcountry Hike: Bidahochi Meet at Hozho picnic area. 10:00 am – approx. 3:00 pm A short, steep descent from the Bidahochi Formation to 3 oases on the Lithodendron flood plain. Visit geologic features and some of the largest petrified logs in the park. Approximately 4 ½ to 5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 600 feet. Rated challenging due to steep and rocky descent and ascent. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, March 20 Guided Backcountry Hike: Flattops Circumnavigation Meet at paved pullout on north side of road at mile marker 24 10:00 am – approx. 3:30 pm This hike traverses a variety of terrains, past archaeological sites, and colorful geologic formations. Approximately 6 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 400 feet. Rated moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, March 21 Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Mesa Meet at Route 66 pullout between mileposts 5 and 6. 10 am – approx. 4 pm Hike to a remote, major rock art site in the park’s northern wilderness. About 7.25 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 550 feet. Rated moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Friday, March 26 Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Photo Retake Meet behind the Rainbow Forest Museum. 9:30 am – approx. 12:30 pm Visit the locations of historic photos and use your photography talent to duplicate them, making a then and now comparison. Learn the Park’s early history including visitors like Albert Einstein, transportation used, and landmarks commonly visited. Approximately 3.5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. Rated easy. Pets welcome on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Friday, March 26 Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area near the south park entrance. 1:30 pm – approx 4:30 pm Short, easy walk 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. Approximately 3.5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 200 feet. Rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants who must be age 12 or older. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Saturday, March 27 Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond Meet south of mile marker 22 & south of the Dry Wash Bridge, and park on the shoulder on the west side of the road. 10:00 am – approx. 3:00 pm Ramble over undulating terrain to experience abundant, ancient rock art. Hike is about 5 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 225 feet. Rating is moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register. Sunday, March 28 Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Rainbow Forest Road Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180 10 am – approx. 2 pm Easy walk through Rainbow Canyon, once a major visitation feature in the 1800s. Included will be passage along the historic, petrified wood paved road that early visitors traveled. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work will also be explored. Nearly 4.75 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 225 feet. Rated easy. Pets welcome on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Six feet social distancing will apply. Limited to 8 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register.
Ongoing Program Schedule All are welcome and all programs are included with normal park admission unless otherwise indicated. Need further information? Contact (928) 524-6228 Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paleontology Lab Demonstrations Inquire at the Painted Desert Visitor Center Join a fossil preparator as they work on fossil specimens discovered in the park. 
NPS Daily Fun 
NPS Petrified Forest Field Institute is proud to offer guided tours and field classes exploring fun and compelling subjects lead by world class guides and experts. https://www.petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org/ 
NPS Artist-in-Residence Program In the Artist-in-Residence Program selected artists spend time living and working in the park, sharing their experiences with visitors. |
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Last updated: February 14, 2021
