You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy, Scenic Trail In Arizona that Nearly Anyone Can Do
By Monica Spencer|Published March 01, 2018
×
Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Winter seems to have made its appearance known again and while we’re thrilled to see snow finally falling around the state, the arrival of March means that we’re mentally getting ready to see spring weather. If you’re ready to hit the trails, we have plenty of options to choose from! Today, though, we’re going to look at one trail that is short, scenic, and easy enough for just about anyone to do!
We are checking out Blue Mesa Trail, a short but sweet trail located inside Petrified Forest National Park. The park, in case you’ve never visited, showcases the colorful landscape you’ll find in northern Arizona. Desert, badlands, fossils, historic sites. Everything but our ponderosa pine forests seem to be right here!
The trail is a 30-minute drive south from the visitor center and a slight detour off the main road, featuring a 3.5-mile loop with areas to pull over for photos and longer views. Pull over, park, and get ready to see some of the landscapes for yourself!
The trail is just one mile long and is paved but steep in areas. If you don’t mind exercising your legs and glutes during a short hike, then you’re going to enjoy this!
Blue Mesa Trail loops around part of the badlands here, featuring a limited color palette in muted cool tones: blue, purple, green, and white with hints of pink and orange mixed in. The geologic formations here are approximately 220-million-years-old!
Hidden here are parts of a prehistoric forest. It might be difficult to determine that these days, but some evidence is still laying around—literally! Colorful logs of petrified wood that have survived the centuries can still be found all around the area.
You can expect to spend about an hour here walking the trail, photographing your favorite views, and enjoying your time with your favorite travel companions. Just be sure to bring water and a hat; the sun here can feel intense, even in the cooler seasons!
Blue Mesa Trail can be found in Petrified Forest National Park, located about 26 miles east of Holbrook via Interstate 40. You can find details about the park by visiting the National Park Service website.
