Guided Tours

Off the Beaten Path Jasper Forest Hike

Heather Sakurai

Guided Activities

The year 2022 gives a new beginning to possible activities. We had our popular backcountry hikes beginning in winter to early spring 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 and Crystal Forest for on-the-spot information including show and tell items to share!

 

Jasper Forest Hike with the Walters

NPS

Guided Hikes

Hikes are free with park entrance fee. Reservations required and limited to 10 participants per hike. Hikers will need to be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, sunscreen, and hiking poles. Face masks may be required for entering buildings. Please, no pets or children under the age of 12 on hikes. Inclement weather and extreme mud will cancel hikes. To make a reservation or for more information call 928-524-6228 x276, leave a message if no answer.

Friday, September 30, 2022 Guided Hike: Red Basin/Clam BedsHike 8 ½ miles round trip through colorful geologic features, including some in recently acquired lands. Be prepared to hike approximately 7 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain about 600 feet, and rated strenuous due to length.

Saturday, October 1, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Onyx Bridge Hike 5 miles round trip to Onyx Bridge, a dramatic example of petrified wood eroding out of the Black Forest Bed of the Chinle Formation. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain about 400 feet, and rated moderate.

Friday, October 7, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Siltstone Hike 6 ½ to 7 miles round trip viewing the three main scientific components of the park: archaeology, paleontology, and biology. A scenic ramble through the geology rich area west of the Flattops. Be prepared to hike approximately 5-6 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain about 400 feet, and rated moderate.

Saturday, October 8, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Jasper Road Hike 3.5 miles round trip 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 about 150 feet, and rated easy.

Friday, October 14, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond 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.

Friday, October 15, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon 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, October 21, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Mountain Lion Mesa Hike 6 miles round trip over undulating terrain to experience abundant, ancient rock art with an archeologist. Be prepared to hike approximately 6 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain about 225 feet, and rated moderate, optional scramble to the top of the mesa to see additional rock art.

Saturday, October 22, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Third Forest Hike 5 1/2 miles round trip in the area justifiably named Long Logs. Be prepared to hike approximately 4 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain about 300 feet, and rated easy.

Friday, October 28, 2022Guided Backcountry Hike: Titanic Hike 5 ½ miles round in some of the oldest exposed terrain in the park through other worldly landscapes. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 ½ hours over desert terrain in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain about 425 feet, and rated moderate.

Saturday, October 29, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Blue Mesa Walkabout Hike 6 ½ miles round trip around a landmark in the center of the park through some of the oldest terrain with a variety of geological, paleontological, and archaeological features. Be prepared to hike approximately 6 hours over rugged desert terrain in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain about 600 feet, and rated moderate.

Friday, November 4, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Flattops Circumnavigation Hike 6 miles round trip to traverses a variety of terrains, past archaeological sites, and colorful geologic formations. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 ½ hours over rugged desert terrain in off trail conditions, average elevation gain about 400 feet, and rated moderate.

Saturday, November 5, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: First Forest overlook Hike 6 miles round trip on a varied hike through spectacular petrified wood deposits onto First Forest Mesa with panoramic views of surrounding landscape. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain about 450 feet, and rated moderate.

Friday, November 11, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Bear Springs Hike 7 miles round trip to a historic site on the eastern rim of the Painted Desert. Spectacular views predominate along this route over varied terrain. Be prepared to hike approximately 6-6 ½ hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain about 675 feet, and rated strenuous due to length and rolling landscape.

Saturday, November 12, 2022 Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Blue Forest 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 about 425 feet, and rated challenging. Hikes are free with park entrance fee. Reservations required and limited to 10 participants per hike. Hikers will need to be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, sunscreen, and hiking poles. Face masks may be required for entering buildings. Please, no pets or children under the age of 12 on hikes. Inclement weather and extreme mud will cancel hikes. To make a reservation or for more information call 928-524-6228 x276, leave a message if no answer.

 

Dig with a paleontologist

NPS

Petrified Forest Field Institute

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/

 

Cellist at Blue Mesa

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.

 

Cultural Demonstrators Montage

NPS

Cultural Demonstration Program

The Cultural Demonstration Program at Petrified Forest National Park provides local artisans with the opportunity to share their cultural and historical connections to the region with park visitors.