North Petrified Forest Trail

Overview

If you only hike one part of the Petrified Forest area, make it the north side. This out-and-back to the North Petrified Forest delivers the densest, most striking petrified wood in the park with big badlands-and-prairie views. It’s a remote-feeling hike without being a sufferfest.

• Distance: about 2.9 miles round trip (total)
• Elevation gain: roughly 440 feet
• Time: 1.5–3 hours for most hikers
• Difficulty: easy to moderate, with one short, steep descent into the basin

The Route

From the Petrified Forest trailhead, climb gently for about 0.6 miles to a signed junction and go left for the north area. The path crosses open prairie on a high plateau, then drops briefly and steeply into a badlands basin where the petrified wood is scattered. Wander the basin to explore the stumps and logs (look, don’t touch), then retrace your steps back to the car.

Many hikers skip the full 10+ mile loop (which spends long stretches in monotone grasslands) and instead do this north out-and-back for the highlights with far less time and effort.

What You’ll See

The draw here is geology on full display: mineralized stumps and logs stranded on clay slopes, often showing colorful bands. The views reach across open prairie and badlands, and if you pop up the far hill you’ll snag an even broader vantage over the basin. Wildlife is part of the show—bison are commonly encountered on or near the trail, and you might also spot mule deer, wild horses, lizards, and toads.

Best Time to Hike

There’s essentially no shade, so start early in warm months and bring plenty of water and sun protection. Clay surfaces can turn slick and messy after rain; both the trail and the approach roads are best when dry. Shoulder seasons and cooler days make for more comfortable hiking and better mid-day light on the wood and badlands textures.

Know Before You Go

• Access is via signed gravel roads that cross private ranchlands outside the park. Standard vehicles are typically fine when it’s dry; stay on the signed route and close any fence you pass through.
• The trail can be narrow in spots, and the short descent/ascent into the basin is steep and can be slick when wet—trekking poles help.
• Give bison a very wide berth (at least 25 yards); never approach. Expect to wait if one decides to use the trail.
• Hiking off-trail is allowed here, but keep your impact light and do not remove petrified wood or any natural features.
• Pro tip: pick up the park’s current driving directions at the South Unit visitor center so you don’t get misrouted on back roads.

Bottom line: short approach, big payoff. If you’re choosing between north and south, most hikers find the north side more concentrated and photogenic.