Crystal Forest Trail

Crystal Forest Trail is a short, developed loop through the gray and purple badlands among scattered petrified logs. The circuit itself is about three-quarters of a mile; from the large parking area, include the short approach to the sun shelter and the same path back for about 0.85 mile total. Allow 30 to 60 minutes if you want time to read the exhibits and look closely at the logs. It is an easy way to get among the park’s fossil wood without taking on a long hike.

From the lot, a short path leads to a sun shelter where the circuit begins. The shelter gives you a wide look over the low, rolling badlands, with scattered logs and grasses across the slopes. The paved and graveled trail then loops among the deposits and returns to the shelter; retrace the approach to the lot. The path reaches its highest ground around the middle of the circuit, then bends back toward the shelter. The grades come in short rises rather than one long climb.

The tread is hard surfaced and wide, but it is not uniformly level. The average grade is 5.2%, with a maximum of 22.5%, and the steepest cross-slope is 11.3%. The National Park Service says most of the route is accessible depending on the visitor, so check those slopes before relying on it for a wheelchair or stroller.

The route’s name comes from crystals inside the petrified logs. You’ll see sections and fragments scattered across the ground, with contrasting mineral colors, wood grain and growth rings. Erosion has broken many trunks into pieces, though some still lie close to the lines where they fell. Look at the exposed ends for growth rings and mineral bands within the fossilized wood. Crystals can be subtle, so take your time instead of expecting every log to glitter. From the shelter, a wide photo can show the badland ridges with fossil wood in the foreground.

Leave every piece where it is. The park asks visitors to leave petrified wood where it is.

These badlands are part of the Chinle Formation, a collection of mostly river-laid sediments more than 200 million years old. Iron in ancient soils helps explain the colors: red formed where iron oxidized, while greener and bluer shades developed in wetter, low-oxygen conditions. The purple-gray slopes around the trail are part of that same layered landscape.

The trail is open year-round during park hours. There is no separate activity fee or reservation for the walk, but park entrance fees may apply. Pets are allowed on developed trails and must stay leashed. The large Crystal Forest parking area is beside the trail access.