Long Logs and Agate House Trails

This 2.6-mile round trip combines the full Long Logs loop with the Agate House spur, using a shared access trail from Rainbow Forest Museum parking. It is a loop-and-spur outing, not one continuous loop: you retrace the Agate branch and shared approach. Allow about 1½ hours if you want time to look around. Go for the striking contrast between a field of petrified logs and a small ancient pueblo; expect rougher walking once you leave the paved access.

From the museum parking area, cross the bridge and follow the half-mile access trail to the junction. The Long Logs circuit makes a half-mile loop at the base of the badlands. The Agate House trail branches off for the pueblo; turn back along that spur and return by the shared access. The walk links the full loop with the Agate spur, then returns by retracing the spur and shared access.

The first half-mile from the parking area is paved. Long Logs is also described as a paved loop, but its narrow turns and rough surface make it a poor fit for many wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. The Agate House branch has rougher ground beyond the paved first half-mile. Stairs to the Long Logs shade shelter can be avoided. If you want a shorter outing, do Long Logs alone: that walk is 1.6 miles round trip including the access.

Long Logs holds one of the park’s largest concentrations of petrified wood, including some of its longest trunks. They lie in an ancient log jam beneath purple and gray badlands, giving this short circuit its scale and color. The most memorable view is a long red trunk against the banded slopes. Leave every piece of petrified wood where it is; the park asks visitors not to remove it.

The destination is an eight-room pueblo that archaeologists believe was occupied briefly about 700 years ago. Its rooms were entered from above through the ceiling. Agate House is closed to entry: stay at least 15 feet from the structure, and do not climb or sit on its walls or disturb archaeological material. You can see the pueblo from the trail without crossing that protected space.

This is a satisfying choice when you want both petrified wood and archaeology in one short walk; Long Logs by itself is the better pick if the rougher spur is not for you. Leashed pets are allowed on developed trails here. Keep the route on the trail and leave both the logs and archaeological remains in place.