Petrified Forest, AZ-In honor of the National Park Service Centennial, join avid hikers Gary and Connie Grube for a season of guided adventures through the backcountry of Petrified Forest National Park. The Grubes have logged hundreds of miles hiking and volunteering with the park. Join them as they share their favorite gems of the Petrified Forest.
Hikes are free; regular park entrance fees apply. Hikes limited to 20 participants (12 for Historic Blue Forest). Dogs on leash welcome, except for Historic Blue Forest. Inclement weather or extreme mud will cancel the hike.
Participants must wear appropriate footwear and carry water. Hats, sunblock, snacks, and walking sticks are advised. Not able to attend? Ask at the visitor center to take an Off the Beaten Path excursion on your own. RSVP appreciated; contact Sarah Hervé at sarah_herve@nps.gov or 928-524-6228, ext. 264
November 2015 Schedule of Hikes
Saturday, Nov. 14, 9AM - 1PM
Onyx Bridge
distance: 4-5 miles
difficulty: easy to moderate
depart from: Painted Desert Inn
Sunday, Nov. 15, 9AM - 12PM
Historic Blue Forest
distance: 3-4 miles
difficulty: advanced
depart from: The Tepees; park at roadside pullout near mile marker 14
Note: This hike is for sure-footed, safety-conscious, experienced hikers wearing sturdy boots. Footing can be bad at any time and treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Trail surface is ball-bearing gravel in some places and slippery clay in others. Walking sticks are recommended.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 9AM - 12PM
First Forest Point and Jasper Forest Road
distance: 3-4 miles
difficulty: easy
depart from: Jasper Forest overlook parking lot
Sunday, Nov. 22, 9AM - 1PM
Onyx Bridge
distance: 4-5 miles
difficulty: easy to moderate
depart from: Painted Desert Inn
Thursday, Nov. 26, 9AM - 12PM
Thanksgiving Day Hike to Martha’s Butte
distance: 3-4 miles
difficulty: easy to moderate
depart from: Dry Wash Bridge; park just south of milepost 22 on the main park road
Work up an appetite for your holiday meal with a hike to the petroglyphs of Martha’s Butte.
Friday, Nov. 27, 9AM - 4PM
Red Basin Clam Beds
distance: 8-9 miles
difficulty: moderate
Blue Mesa Loop Road; from the main park road, turn onto road to Blue Mesa. Drive 1.7 miles. Park at the pullout.
Hike the Red Basin on Black Friday! Spend the day after Thanksgiving in the great outdoors. Bring a lunch.
Saturday, Nov. 28, 9AM - 12PM
Historic Blue Forest
distance: 3-4 miles
difficulty: advanced
depart from: The Tepees; park at roadside pullout near mile marker 14
Note: This hike is for sure-footed, safety-conscious, experienced hikers wearing sturdy boots. Footing can be bad at any time and treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Trail surface is ball-bearing gravel in some places and slippery clay in others. Walking sticks are recommended.
Sunday, Nov. 29, 9AM - 12PM
First Forest Point and Jasper Forest Road
distance: 3-4 miles
difficulty: easy
depart from: Jasper Forest overlook parking lot
December 2015 Schedule of Hikes coming soon!
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
