Blue Forest Trail
An advanced historic route through Blue Mesa badlands on a re-established CCC-era alignment.
Route overview
Blue Forest Trail in Arizona.
The route links the Tepees area with the developed Blue Mesa Trail, following remnants of a 1930s trail through colorful formations and active petrified-wood exposures.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Arizona
- Distance
- 4.8 km
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- approximate backcountry route
Safety context
Use lug-soled boots and the current NPS route description. Ball-bearing gravel, slippery clay, steep sections and knife ridges make wet, icy or windy conditions unacceptable. A shuttle-based point-to-point variant must not be assumed. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Use lug-soled boots and the current NPS route description. Ball-bearing gravel, slippery clay, steep sections and knife ridges make wet, icy or windy conditions unacceptable. A shuttle-based point-to-point variant must not be assumed.
Highlights
Blue Forest Trail, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona hiking, Painted Desert, NPS trail
Why find a buddy
Only match sure-footed experienced hikers who accept exposure, careful routefinding and immediate turnaround if footing deteriorates.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.