Long Logs Trail

If you want the park’s densest concentration of massive petrified trunks without a big effort, this is the move. The Long Logs Trail delivers some of the longest, most colorful petrified trees in a classic badlands setting—think purple and gray hills, wide-open skies, and ancient logs scattered like a prehistoric log jam.

The route and distance

Plan on a 1.6-mile loop for the Long Logs section itself. Reaching the loop typically involves a paved access path from the Rainbow Forest area near the south entrance; that approach is about 0.5 mile each way, so your total outing can land closer to 2.6 miles if you count access + loop. Surfaces are mixed: the first stretch is paved and easy for strollers, while the loop transitions to natural dirt/gravel with a few uneven spots and some stairs (which you can bypass). It’s flat overall and squarely in the “easy” category.

What you’ll see

You’re walking through a Late Triassic story (~218 million years old). The logs here piled up in ancient river channels and were buried, then mineralized into quartz-rich rainbow colors. Many show crisp rings, knots, and bark textures. The contrast—vivid petrified wood at the base of softly banded badlands—makes for great photography. There are interpretive signs, benches, and broad views the whole way, and this loop is usually quieter than the similar Crystal Forest because it sits a bit farther from the parking area.

Add Agate House (optional)

If you’ve got the time, extend your walk on the Agate House Trail. It leads to a partly reconstructed ancestral pueblo built of petrified wood—an eye-opening cultural counterpoint to the geology you’ve been admiring. Together, Long Logs + Agate House make a compact, best-of tour of the park’s natural and human history.

Know before you go

There’s little to no shade—bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Pets are allowed on leash (follow BARK guidelines). Stay on the path and leave every piece of petrified wood in place; collecting is illegal and off-trail wandering damages fragile features.

Best time to hike

Spring and fall bring cooler, steadier weather—ideal for lingering at the logs and for photography. In summer, start early or late to beat the heat and the harsher light. Winter can be beautiful but may bring occasional snow or mud. The trail is open year-round; check park alerts if weather looks dicey.