Guided Activities

Hikers below the volcanic cliffs of Pintado Point
Guided Hike below Pintado Point into the Painted Desert

NPS

Guided Activities

The year 2024 gives a new beginning to possible activities. We featured our popular backcountry hikes, touch tables at the museum, plaza, and on trails, and the paleo demo lab continues to connect scientists with the public. Be sure to check our social media pages (scroll down on any page to the links on the lower right) for information and events. Also, watch for roving rangers and volunteers in areas like Puerco Pueblo and Crystal Forest for on-the-spot information including show and tell items to share!

 

Celebrate Arizona Archeology month with a hike at Petrified Forest National Park!

Learn about the past by joining a ranger for a guided hike into the beautiful and ancient landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park. Expect off trail conditions that include rocky and rugged desert terrain. Reservations required. Contact: Victoria Philpott, 928-241-8694, victoria_montoya-philpott@nps.gov Time and location will be given with reservation.

Friday, March 14, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond

Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 5 miles round trip over undulating terrain to an ancient rock art site. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain is about 225 feet and rated moderate.

Friday, March 21, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Starving Man

Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 6 miles round trip to boulders covered in petroglyphs and continue to badlands with ascending high ridge panoramic views. Be prepared to hike approximately 6 hours over rugged desert terrain, up and around a mesa with average elevation gain about 300 feet and rated moderate.

Friday, March 28, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Mesa

Difficulty: Strenuous
Hike 7.5 miles round trip to a major rock art site in the park’s northern wilderness. Be prepared to hike approximately 7 hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions, average elevation gain about 550 feet, and rated strenuous except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional.

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: BARK Ranger Walkabout

Difficulty: Easy
Hike 3 miles round trip through the badlands with your dog. Highlights include panoramic views and geological features. Be prepared to hike 2 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain approximately 200 feet, rated easy.

Friday, April 4, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon

Difficulty: Easy/Challenging
Hike 3.5 miles round trip to an old foot trail constructed in the 1930s. The trail, which is challenging, provides views to dozens of petroglyphs. Be prepared to hike approximately 3 hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions, average elevation gain about 200 feet, and rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional.
 
Ranger Program at Giant Logs, people gathered around a petrified log with a ranger.
Ranger Program at Giant Logs, people gathered around a petrified log with a ranger.

NPS/Hallie Larsen

Discover Rangers and Volunteers in the Park!

Keep your eyes open for one of our Interpreters out on the trails, the plaza, museum, or at overlooks. We love to answer questions and share the park's many stories. You might find us with touch tables, too!
 
Participants in Field Institute excavation
Dig with a paleontologist

NPS

Petrified Forest Field Institute, a Park Partner

Petrified Forest Field Institute--offered by the non-profit museum association--is proud to offer guided tours and field classes exploring fun and compelling subjects lead by world class guides and experts. https://www.petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org/ This is not a government website or institution.

 
Cellist at Blue Mesa
Cellist at Blue Mesa

NPS

Artist-in-Residence Program

In the Artist-in-Residence Program selected artists spend time living and working in the park, sharing their experiences with visitors.

 
Cultural Demonstrators Montage
Cultural Demonstrators Montage

NPS

Cultural Demonstration Program

The Cultural Demonstration Program at Petrified Forest National Park provides local artisans with the opportunity to share their cultural and historical connections to the region with park visitors.

Last updated: February 15, 2025

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Petrified Forest National Park
P.O. Box 2217
Attn.:

Petrified Forest, AZ 86028-2217

Phone:

928 524-6228

Contact Us