Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
72.00 ft (21.95 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
0.80 mi (1.29 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Petrified Forest National Park has what many consider to be the most extensive collection of petrified wood in the world. These stones, which were once wood, are truly a marvelous natural phenomenon. There are several hikes in the park, from easy to challenging, on which to view the petrified wood, and one of the most accessible is the Crystal Forest Trail. 

This paved path winds through some characteristic badlands of the park, which has many large and long petrified logs. There are displays explaining how the logs were petrified and why they are so numerous in the area.The views in all directions are great, and this is a must-do stop even for visitors who are just doing a quick drive through of the park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall
Summer

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Short, easy walk. Nice examples of petrified wood.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

5,470.00 ft (1,667.26 m)

Highest point

5,520.00 ft (1,682.50 m)

Features

ADA accessible
Family friendly
Vault toilet
Geologically significant
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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