Blue Mesa Trail at Petrified Forest National Park
The hike at Blue Mesa was my favorite of our day spent at Petrified Forest National Park. Right from the beginning, we knew this hike was going to be amazing. From the parking lot, at the top of the mesa, we were greeted with a spectacular view of the Painted Desert. It was an easy hike on a beautiful day that I highly recommend.
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Blue Mesa Trail Stats
Trailhead: Blue Mesa Trailhead
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty: ⚪ Easy, but there is a steep section at the beginning; based on OK Which Way’s rating system
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 5500 feet
Planning Your Visit
Location: Petrified Forest National Park, along Blue Mesa Scenic Road about mile marker 15. 25-30 minute drive from either entrance of the park.
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time, no Daylight Savings Time
Parking: Blue Mesa Trailhead
Park Pass Needed: NPS Entrance Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Entrance Fee: $25/car click here to see current fee pricing
Trail Map: Link to trail map
Pets: Dogs are allowed on a leash
Starting the Hike
There is only one path, so it was easy enough to figure out where to begin. The first section at the top of the mesa was about a tenth of a mile and fairly flat.
Descending
The trail then descends down into the valley along a steep, paved path. We visited Petrified Forest National Park on a chilly January morning. The steep section was in the shadow of the mesas making it a bit slick in some areas. I took it slow and had no problems. My teenage son, didn’t take it slow – and he also didn’t have any issues.
The Valley Floor
Once reaching the valley floor, we made our way around the loop, stopping every so often to examine the rugged beauty. The colored hills, barren ground, and petrified wood create a unique site.
FUN FACT: over 200 ancient plants have been identified here including giant horsetails and ferns
Returning to the Parking Lot
After walking the loop, it was time to head back up to the parking lot and continue our journey through the park.
The Badlands
The colorful hills are primarily made from bentonite clay and formed by erosion
Final Thoughts
Blue Mesa is a must see while visiting Petrified Forest National Park. The short hike was great, and if you have time I definitely recommend it. But even if you don’t hike, taking in the views from the parking lot is worth the extra few minutes it takes to reach it from the main road.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Optional Items to Bring
Our Stats
Date: January 2024
Distance: 1.08 miles
Start: Blue Mesa Trailhead
End: Blue Mesa Trailhead
Hiking Time: 45min*
*A quick note on our hiking style – We stop and smell the roses. When I go for a run, speed is a consideration. While hiking, it is not. We take photos, watch the chipmunk in the tree, find geocaches, and simply enjoy the adventure. So, typically a hike can be completed in a shorter time than we log.
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This trail review is based only on Jennifer’s experience. Hike at your own risk with the understanding that individual scenarios in a natural environment will be variable.
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