Petrified Forest National Park hiking guide
Blue Mesa Trail
A 1-mile loop with 120 ft of climbing in Blue Mesa, rated easy.
Key facts
- Length
- 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
- Elevation gain
- 120 ft (35 m)
- Route type
- Loop
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Area
- Blue Mesa
- Highest point
- 5,632 ft
- Lowest point
- 5,502 ft
- Paved
- Yes
About Blue Mesa Trail
The trail drops steeply from the mesa top into layered hills of bentonite clay in shades of blue, purple, peach and gray. Paved and gravel sections alternate underfoot; after the initial drop, the ground flattens for a gentler stretch before the final climb to the start. Pieces of petrified wood lie scattered across the slopes, and paleontologists have found plant and animal fossils in the layers here. Many visitors pair the walk with stops at the overlooks along the scenic drive.
Route map
This route was checked by Parka editors.
