Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
72.00 ft (21.95 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
0.50 mi (0.80 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.

The small visitor center at the south entrance to Petrified Forest National Park has excellent exhibits on petrified wood and the prehistoric plants and animals that lived in the area. From the visitor center, the Giant Logs Loop is an easy and scenic introduction to the petrified wood of the area.

There are actually two short interconnecting loops that pass several petrified logs, including “Old Faithful,” long a highlight of the park (and unfortunately now held up with a concrete foundation to prevent it eroding--something that would never be done under current national park practices). There are also nice viewpoints that give a teaser of a glimpse of the many varied forms of the landscape within the park.

As in any national park, removing any rocks is strictly forbidden, and Petrified Forest has been particularly prone to this kind of vandalism, so the rangers are more vigilant in preventing it.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy walk. Great petrified logs. Nice views.

Cons

Busy.

Trailhead Elevation

5,450.00 ft (1,661.16 m)

Highest point

5,500.00 ft (1,676.40 m)

Features

Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Potable water
Geologically significant
Wildflowers
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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