3 places you've probably never heard of in the Petrified Forest National Park
22,848
Published 2020-11-30
So I've been to the Petrified Forest National Park before. I've done the loop road and we even backpacked it and I absolutely loved it. But there's more if you dig a little deeper. Yes, all the well known overlooks and hikes are worth it, but if you like being a little more off grid, you can find that type of solitude here if you look hard enough.
The Historic Blue Forest Trail
Turn off from Blue Mesa Trail (approximate) 34.938645, -109.761091
This hike is a branch off of the Blue Mesa Trail. Start at the Blue Mesa trailhead and turn off at . The Historic Blue Forest Trail takes you off the main trail and up onto the ridgelines of the painted desert. And it's amazing. It's a through hike that requires you to spot a car, or, you can do what I did and just hike out as far as you want and turn around. Tina and I tried this before and it was so windy it was dangerous, so we turned around. But this trip, it was perfect conditions, and the Historic Blue Forest Trail did not disappoint. This is my favorite trail in the park.
The Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
And if you are tired of the standard hotel, try the Painted Desert Ranger Cabin. It's $40 a night and it has more amenities than you would expect for something so rugged; basically the Painted Desert Ranger Cabin has all the amenities of home, but with much better views. I believe the website says you need a 4WD, but if the road is dry, I feel like just about any vehicle will get you there. If you're looking for something rustic and remote, you definitely want to check out the Painted Desert Ranger Cabin. Tell Ranger Ross we sent you. Reserve it here;
www.hipcamp.com/arizona/painted-desert-ranger-cabi…
The Devil's Playground
Finally, there is the Devil's Playground Trail. Honestly, I wouldn't have known about this if it weren't for the Painted Desert Ranger Cabin Website. But Devil's Playground was amazing. It was a mix of the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest and Valley of Dreams; just amazing hoodoos and other rock and erosion formations, mixed in with petrified logs. Permits for the Devil's Playground are available at the back country desk at the Petrified Forest National Park welcome center and they are extremely limited. I highly recommend you research it online and call ahead to find out when they are available. There are only 3 permits per week and it's first come first served.
So if you are looking for a unique way to experience the Petrified Forest National Park, check out these areas. You will not be disappointed.
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All Comments (21)
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My wife and I lived for two decades only 20 miles from the south entrance of the park. The many walks, hikes, and simply aimless strolls we took thru the surrounding country side came alive once more with this video. Thanks for reawakening fond memories.
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This guys camera work is amazing!!! I'm not gonna lie, bc he's older I didn't expect this kind of shooting/editing. The video is unique on YT when it comes to this National Park, shows the unkown parts of it. That was entertainment and his wife being so fun on camera was awesome!
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This video is professional, few youtuber can produce something this high quality.
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Dude, Pearce Roswell is excellent, love the music!
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Staying at the cabin march 18-21 thanks for the tip 😊
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GREAT video and information. We just booked this ranger cabin and cant wait.
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Living near the Petrified Forest I’ve explored much of it but I never knew about the ranger cabin, just booked a weekend stay! Great video!
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Excellent overview! Never even knew about the trail inside Petrified Forest just the drive through it. and 16:40 just made me a subscriber lol
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Great video and much less wind than last time ! I owe you a Taco or two as we did make it to the top of Picacho peek . The tip on the gloves was great . I was a hero with the wife when I pulled them out of my backpack at the saddle . Thank you Jerry and Tina ! Recorded the vertical and it was 3335 ft .
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The geology down yalls way is incredible! Way to capture it Jerry
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Blue Mesa trail is one of the most beautiful trails that I have been to. I did this as my 100th unique trail in AZ. We did not walk on the top and walked at the bottom on the paved trail. It was amazing nevertheless. Maybe we will walk on the top the next time we go there. Thank you for sharing this info.
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Did the "secret" Blue Mesa hike today, even though it was windy! Awesome, thanks!!!
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Great job making an interesting video on a very overlooked place...that trail was cool. I love all of the exposure and steep drop offs. And what a great way to end the day by enjoying that cabin...cool trip!
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I love your storytelling abilities, both with words and footage. Have never explored this park but of course, you keep adding to our never-ending bucket list of hikes and adventures! Impressed you only fell twice - I average at least 4 butt falls a hike these days on loose rock haha (have started to master the art of the fall!). Looking forward to the next! -Elise
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Just saw this...awesome!!! Love that ridge walk too.....did Jasper back in july...nobody on that old trail either...another lesser known one in petrified
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Petrified Forest is one of our favorite parks! It was so cool to see someone else at the Ranger Cabin, we've been there a few times and love it so much! Great video :)
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My wife and I along with our dog did the Devils Playground this past Sunday. We got the last permit of the week.
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i love you guys! im in Escalante for a month this Fall. coming from North Carolina...i live 1 mile from the shoreline here which i oive BUT this terrain keeps tugging me. This will be my 16th trip to AZ-Utah in less than 7 yrs! im addicted. Thank you both i love it
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We just did a series in the park and knew about a number of those trails (didn't have time to actually explore them) but had no idea about the cabin! Going on the list!
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Nice video Jerry. Glad you two are out and about again. Tina exhibits perfect form on that middle finger salute. Safe travels.
