Petrified Forest National Park hiking guide
Crystal Forest Trail
A 0.8-mile loop with 41 ft of climbing in Crystal Forest, rated easy.
Key facts
- Length
- 0.8 mi (1.3 km)
- Elevation gain
- 41 ft (12 m)
- Route type
- Loop
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Area
- Crystal Forest
- Highest point
- 5,569 ft
- Lowest point
- 5,531 ft
- Paved
- Yes
About Crystal Forest Trail
This loop trail winds through a badlands landscape, offering stunning views of petrified wood logs that once formed part of a 225-million-year-old forest. The trail is notable for its accessible path and the unique presence of crystals within the fossilized trees. Visitors can enjoy expansive vistas and close-up encounters with these ancient natural wonders.
Route map
This route was checked by Parka editors.
