Hike Blue Forest Trail, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

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The Blue Forest Trail was constructed between 1934 and 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which connected the lower and upper Blue Mesa roads. In 1955 the trail and the lower road were closed and replaced by the Blue Mesa Loop Trail. In 2013 the Blue Forest Trail was re-established for adventurous hikers. The trail connects the main park road at the Tepees area to the paved Blue Mesa Loop Trail. It is accessed from the Blue Mesa Loop Road. 1.5 miles (2.4 km) one-way (that is 1.2 miles Off the Beaten Path + 0.3 miles on Blue Mesa Loop Trail). To make a one-way trip, you will need to set up a shuttle previous to hiking. Or turn-around and retrace your steps for a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) round trip. The Blue Forest Trail winds through colorful blue and white badland hills. It offers a new view at every turn, and both the foreground and background hold your interest at every step. It gives the hiker a bit of history, a lot of scenery, an intimate look at petrified wood being exposed by erosion, and with the help provided here, a short geology lesson. Through the combination of these elements, the Blue Forest Trail exemplifies the essence of Petrified Forest National Park. Park at the roadside pullout at the Tepees area, near mile marker 14, on the northbound (east) side of the road. From this spot the 1937 gravel road is still apparent, but no longer open to vehicles. This is the unmarked trailhead for the modern Blue Forest trail. The first half-mile (0.8 km) follows this old road grade and is relatively flat. Please be cautious on the walking surface, which consists of slippery gravel.

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