March 2020 Guided Hikes
Saturday, March 7
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon
Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180.
9:30 am – approx 12:30 pm
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. Limited to 15 participants who must be age 12 or older. This hike is full and not accepting any more reservations at this time.
Saturday, March 7
Guided Hike: Long Logs & Agate House
Meet at Rainbow Forest picnic area via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180.
1:30 pm – approx. 3:30 pm
Short, easy walk on a developed trail through the site of a Triassic log jam. Admire especially long petrified tree trunks and learn about the history of the area. Included is a walk to the Agate House, a reconstructed pueblo made of petrified wood. Approximately 2.6 miles round trip. Pets welcome on this hike. Be prepared for a multi-hour hike with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register.
Sunday, March 8
Guided Backcountry Hike: Sorrel Horse Mesa
Meet at the left pullout along Blue Mesa Loop Road via the north park entrance from I-40, exit 311. (Once you turn off the main park road for Blue Mesa, drive 1.7 miles to the pullout.)
9:30 am – approx. 4:00 pm
Take a scenic hike through colorful geologic features, including the Brad Traver Overlook, within the recently acquired land of Sorrel Horse Mesa. Accessed only with a guide, 4 wheel-drive transportation is provided to this remote area. Approximately 6 to 6 ½ miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 500 feet. Rated moderate. No pets please on this hike. Be prepared for a one hour drive each way, and a multi-hour hike in the park’s backcountry with adequate food, water, clothing, footwear, hat, and sunscreen. Limited to 12 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register.
Saturday, March 14
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Mesa
10 am – approx. 4 pm
Meet at Route 66 pullout between mileposts 5 and 6 via the north park entrance from I-40, exit 311.
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. Limited to 15 participants. This hike is full and not accepting any more reservations at this time.
Sunday, March 15
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 park road via the north park entrance from I-40, exit 311.
9:30 am – approx. 12:00 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 steep ascents and descents and is about 4 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. Limited to 15 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register.
Sunday, March 15
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 park road via the north park entrance from I-40, exit 311.
1:30 pm – approx. 4:00 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 steep ascents and descents and is about 4 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. Limited to 15 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register.
Saturday, March 21
Guided Backcountry Hike: Jasper Forest
Meet at Crystal Forest parking area near mile marker 20 via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180.
10:00 am—approx. 4 pm
Access a high concentration of the beautiful petrified wood of Jasper Forest on foot during the park road closure. Approximately 6 miles round trip in off-trail conditions. AEG about 325 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. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register.
Sunday, March 22
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. Limited to 15 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information and to register.
Sunday, March 29
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond
Meet at Dry Wash Bridge south of mile marker 22, in the dirt pullout on the east side of the road via the south park entrance from US Hwy 180.
10:00 am—approx. 3 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. Limited to 15 participants. This hike is full and not accepting any more reservations at this time.
Saturday, March 28
Guided Backcountry Hike: Wilderness Loop
Meet at Painted Desert Inn via the north park entrance from I-40, exit 311.
10:00 am – approx. 4:30 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. Limited to 15 participants. Call 515-724-4493 for further information.
