December Programs and Event
Saturday December 1
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon
Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area
11 am
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 2 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 200 feet. Rated easy except for the foot trail which is challenging and optional. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Saturday December 1
Guided Backcountry Hike: Third Forest
Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area
2 pm
A walk in the area justifiably named Long Logs. Approximately 3 to 4 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 300 feet. Rated easy. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Saturday December 1
Parade of Lights
Navajo and Hopi, Holbrook, AZ
Sundown
Look for Petrified Forest National Park staff walking in the parade to celebrate the Candyland Christmas theme.
Sunday December 2
Guided Backcountry Hike: Agate Mesa Ramble
Meet at Agate Bridge Parking Lot
10 am
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 with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Saturday December 8
Guided Backcountry Hike: Siltstone
Meet at unpaved pullout on south side of road between mile markers 23 and 24
10 am
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 5 ½ to 6 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG approximately 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. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Sunday December 9
Guided Backcountry Hike: Titanic
Meet at The Tepees (mile marker 14). Park at roadside pullout near Tepees
10 am
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. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Saturday December 15
Guided Backcountry Hike: Third Forest
Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area
10 am
A walk in the area justifiably named Long Logs. Approximately 5.75 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. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Sunday December 16
Guided Backcountry Hike: Bear Spring
Meet at Painted Desert Inn
10 am
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 challenging 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. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Saturday December 22
Guided Backcountry Hike: Haystacks
Meet at the Tepees (mile marker 14; park at roadside pullout near the Tepees)
9:30 am
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. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Saturday December 22
Guided Backcountry Hike: Historic Rainbow Forest Road
Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area
1:30 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. Nearly 4.75 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 225 feet. Rated easy. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Sunday December 23
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Mesa
Meet at Route 66 pullout (between mileposts 5 and 6 in the northern part of the park)
10 am
Hike to a remote, major rock art site in the park’s northern wilderness. About 7 1/4 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. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Saturday December 29
Guided Backcountry Hike: Agate Mesa Ramble
Meet at Agate Bridge Parking Lot
10 am
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 with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
Sunday December 30
Guided Backcountry Hike: Wilderness Loop
Meet at Painted Desert Inn
10 am
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 challenging 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. Limited to 15 participants and advance signup required; call 928-368-3821 for further information and registration.
