Pros & cons
PROS
- Early “groves” of petrified wood right below the rim before you’re deep in the washes
- Waypoint-style route with real solitude compared to the park’s roadside stops
CONS
- A key side-drainage turn is easy to miss as the main wash curves away
- Onyx Bridge is fractured now—don’t expect an intact log span
- Loose, steep rim switchbacks can be sketchy on the climb out
Park at Painted Desert Inn; the descent starts opposite the flagpole. Trailhead area has restrooms, water, and picnic tables.
Unmarked route with full exposure and no water; steep, loose switchbacks; limited cell service. Bring waypoints/GPS and strong sun protection.
Why hike it
If you want Petrified Forest beyond the boardwalks, this is the ticket. The Onyx Bridge route drops from the Painted Desert rim into colorful badlands and follows washes to the remains of a once‑spanning petrified log. Expect solitude, big sky, and a whole lot of fossilized wood underfoot.
The gist
Plan on roughly 4–5 miles total (we estimate about 4.5 miles round trip), with around 300 feet of descent and re‑ascent. It’s an out‑and‑back, but not a signed or maintained trail—more a waypoint‑guided route. The navigation and exposure make it moderately challenging.
Route overview
Start at Painted Desert Inn (near Kachina Point). From the side opposite the flagpole, descend steep, loose switchbacks onto the desert floor. Immediately below the rim you’ll weave among small, vivid red hills sprinkled with groves of petrified wood—already a highlight. Continue across badlands benches and into broad washes. Many hikers follow the unmistakably wide Lithodendron Wash for a stretch, then make a key left into a narrow side drainage that’s easy to miss as the main wash curves away—bring the NPS waypoints or a GPX you trust. The destination, Onyx Bridge, is the dark petrified log that once bridged a wash; it’s now fractured but still photogenic and geologically fascinating. Some hikers report petroglyphs on a short detour along the way, but don’t count on them without solid directions.
What you’ll see
Classic Painted Desert layers in reds, purples, and grays; sprawling badlands; and “countless” wood fragments leading to the bridge area. It’s a true wilderness feel beyond the initial descent: little to no signage, no water, and minimal shade.
Best time to hike
Spring and fall are the sweet spot—cooler temps and lower heat risk. Summer can be dangerously hot; avoid midday. Winter can work, but bring layers for cold wind and occasional ice on the switchbacks. Early morning or late afternoon brings kinder light on the banded hills.
Tips and honesty
- Navigation matters: use NPS waypoints or a reliable GPX and pay attention to that subtle left into the side drainage after the wash bends.
- Footing: the rim switchbacks have loose gravel; sturdy shoes help.
- Essentials: full sun protection, plenty of water, and self‑reliance—cell service is spotty to none.
- Leave No Trace: do not collect or move petrified wood or disturb archaeological sites.
- Pets are allowed on leash. Amenities (parking, restrooms, water, picnic tables) are at Painted Desert Inn before you drop in.
If you want to go farther, some hikers extend toward Angel’s Garden via the same wash network, but that’s a longer day and ups the navigation stakes.
Where it starts
35.0839, -109.7888Near Onyx Bridge Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayWilderness LoopRemote off-trail loop through Painted Desert badlands and petrified woodChallenging · 8 mi · 5 hr
0 mi awayPainted Desert Wilderness Access TrailQuick descent from the rim into the Painted Desert’s wild badlandsChallenging · 1 mi · 48 min
0 mi awayPainted Desert InnHistoric adobe inn with murals and Painted Desert viewsTrailhead · Restroom
0.1 mi awayKachina PointBest Painted Desert panorama beside a historic innTrailhead · Restroom
0.4 mi awayTawa PointPainted Desert panorama and trailhead named for the Hopi Sun SpiritTrailhead · Parking
0.4 mi awayPainted Desert Rim TrailEasy rim walk with nonstop Painted Desert panoramas and history.Easy · 1 mi · 30 min
0.4 mi awayChinde PointQuiet Painted Desert overlook with picnic shelters and big-sky viewsParking · Picnic Table
1.3 mi awayTawa TrailEasy grassland walk to big Painted Desert views, ideal quick stop.Easy · 2.4 mi · 1 hr
