Last updated: March 20, 2021
Thing to Do
Walk Blue Mesa Trail
NPS Photo/Stuart Holmes
Steeply descending from the mesa top, this 1-mile alternately paved and gravel trail loop offers the unique experience of hiking among blue, purple, peach, and gray banded badland hills of bentonite clay as well as petrified wood. Numerous plant and animal fossils have been found by paleontologists in the sedimentary layers of Blue Mesa.
Details
Duration
30-120 Minutes
The trail is a mile, most of it is relatively easy, with one short steep section. Depends on the individual's speed walking and if you read the wayside exhibits or not.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
This is a 1-mile paved/graveled trail with a steep section. There are wayside exhibits along the pathway. There is a bench at the trailhead under the sunshelter.
Age(s)
6 and Older
Depends on the individual.
Pets Allowed
Yes
BARK Ranger:
·Bag your pet’s poop.
·Always keep your pet on a leash.
·Respect wildlife.
·Know where you can go.
·Bag your pet’s poop.
·Always keep your pet on a leash.
·Respect wildlife.
·Know where you can go.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Blue Mesa Trail, Petrified Forest National Park
The Blue Mesa trailhead is located halfway around the Blue Mesa Road loop, next to a sun shelter.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
There can be ice in the winter.
Time of Day
Day
Open during park hours.
Accessibility Information
Most of this trail is not accessible for mobility devices. Steep grade near beginning of trail. The surface is hard, paved or graveled. Exhibits have proper contrast for visibility challenges.