A 1.0-mile steep, paved loop leads from the top of the mesa down into the blue badlands, a colorful area of cone-shaped hills in Chinle Shale.
The hills are composed of bentonite, a soft, porous clay, which is very susceptible to erosion. The bands of color represent different layers that were deposited under water. Manganese and iron oxides are responsible for the colors.
Details
Length:
1 mile loop
Difficulty:
Easy Steep in places
Season:
Year round
Additional Details:
The top portion of this trail may be negotiated by strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. But where the trail begins to drop very steeply to its lower portion, strollers and wheelchairs should be turned around.
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Petrified Forest National Park. More Visitor Guides are available in Arizona. Click here to view them all!
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State
ArizonaStart planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. Fill out the form to request your free travel packet, which includes an Arizona Official State Visitor's Guide and an Arizona state highway map. The Arizona Office of Tourism ships domestically as well as the following countries only: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Maverick Helicopters Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California
Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Arizona. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Zion National Park - North Rim Grand Canyon Southern Utah
Zion National Park - North Rim Grand Canyon
Southern UtahTravel information on the North Rim Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Kanab and Bryce Canyon Nation Park - Visit the Heart of the Parks. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
San Juan County Southeast Utah
San Juan County
Southeast UtahSan Juan County is located in the Four Corners region of the southwest United States. Visitors come to experience the unique culture and natural history of the area. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Capitol Reef Country Central Utah
Capitol Reef Country
Central UtahThis area of southern Utah has a diversity of landscape like no other area in the state - red rock formations and canyons, pristine meadows, alpine forests, as well as lush green valleys. That landscape makes Capitol Reef Country perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV tours, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, or just a quiet picnic! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Sierra Vista Southern Arizona
Sierra Vista
Southern ArizonaWhether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, history or culture, Sierra Vista has something for everyone. Connect with the Old West in the "Land of Legends", or Cochise County. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Tucson Southeast Arizona
Tucson
Southeast ArizonaTucson is a borderland metropolitan area influenced by many cultures to make it an exciting and unique place to visit. Near Tucson is Saguaro National Park, named for the spectacular Saguaro forest found there. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Glendale Phoenix Area - Central Arizona
Glendale
Phoenix Area - Central ArizonaFrom exciting sports frenzy to signature festivals filled with family fun, unique culinary flavors, holiday splendor and more—when it comes to lifestyle, Glendale’s got you covered. Home to the nation’s finest multi-sport entertainment complex with famous shopping districts and a treasured historic downtown, Glendale is a beautiful blend of new excitement and historic charm. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Wickenburg Central Arizona
Wickenburg
Central ArizonaWhen visitors want a real, authentic taste of the wild west, they visit Wickenburg. The town has successfully merged the past with the present in a way that awakens the cowboy in everyone. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bisbee Southern Arizona
Bisbee
Southern ArizonaVictorian neighborhoods, locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, bookstores, galleries and more make Bisbee a good choice for those seeking sophistication along with small town charm. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Lake Havasu City Western Arizona
Lake Havasu City
Western ArizonaWelcome to Lake Havasu City…where you can Play Like You Mean It®! Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. It attracts 775,000 visitors a year with its calm waters, beautiful beaches and desert weather with more than 300 sunny days a year. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Tempe Phoenix Area - Central Arizona
Tempe
Phoenix Area - Central ArizonaArizona State University may be Tempe’s claim to fame, but there’s plenty going on in this friendly city just south of Phoenix. Boating on Tempe Town Lake, nightlife on Mill Avenue and performances at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gammage Auditorium are just a few of our favorite Tempe temptations. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State
ArizonaStart planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. Fill out the form to request your free travel packet, which includes an Arizona Official State Visitor's Guide and an Arizona state highway map. The Arizona Office of Tourism ships domestically as well as the following countries only: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bryce Canyon Country Southern Utah
Bryce Canyon Country
Southern UtahBryce Canyon Country is home to several scenically diverse state/national parks. Visitors will want to spend at least a few days exploring this spectacular part of Utah. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Benson Southeast
Benson
SoutheastBenson has a rich history tied to the railroad and Old West. A great draw for many visitors is Kartchner Caverns State Park which offers camping, hiking, beauty and of course, the caverns themselves. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Utah - Life Elevated Statewide
Utah - Life Elevated
StatewideWith five national parks and more than 40 state parks, Utah offers a wealth of outdoor activities for families & adventurers alike. Order your free Travel Guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Prescott: An Arizona Gem Central Arizona
Prescott: An Arizona Gem
Central ArizonaPrescott is a destination that transcends the Arizona archetype. No sweltering summers or miles of cactus covered moonscape. The town’s mile-high location in the Grand Canyon State’s central highlands brings four mild seasons, an average annual daytime temperature of about seventy degrees, and over 300 days of sunshine. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Chandler Phoenix area - Central Arizona
Chandler
Phoenix area - Central ArizonaThe City of Chandler, AZ boasts world class golf facilities, Arizona resorts, fabulous restaurants of every cuisine, premier shopping and tons of fun activities. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Discover Gilbert Phoenix Area
Discover Gilbert
Phoenix AreaOne of America’s Top 20 Thriving Cities. Make your way to Gilbert, Arizona. Our welcoming town is just southeast of Phoenix and only a short drive away from the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. One of the best places to live in America, Gilbert boasts sunny weather, safe neighborhoods and an exceptional school system, as well as a wide array of outdoor and cultural attractions. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Discover Salt River Scottsdale Area
Discover Salt River
Scottsdale AreaWe proudly welcome you to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and cannot wait for you to discover Salt River. Awaken your senses and explore Arizona Indian Country in a whole new way. Adventure awaits you! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Explore Cochise County Southeast Arizona
Explore Cochise County
Southeast ArizonaHike, bike, bird, dine, wine, and stargaze … your next adventure is in these wide open spaces! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Superior Southeastern Arizona
Superior
Southeastern ArizonaIf you love unspoiled nature and rich heritage — Superior is a picturesque largely undiscovered gem that offers pristine desert experiences at the world-renowned Boyce Thompson Arboretum, top-notch outdoor adventures, unique annual festivals, as well as an authentic budding culinary and art scene. Start your small town adventure here. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Cottonwood Central Arizona
Cottonwood
Central ArizonaVisit Cottonwood- Heart of Arizona Wine Country. Experience the Verde Valley Wine Trail, outdoor adventure, family fun, charming Old Town, and so much more. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
North-Central ArizonaFrom the river to the rails, Clarkdale is teeming with awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural attractions that will make your visit unforgettable. Nestled in the stunning Verde Valley of North-Central Arizona. Clarkdale is the gem of Arizona. Skip the crowds and get right to the heart of red rock country. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Maverick Helicopters Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California
Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
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