Trail Report: Crystal Forest Trail In Petrified Forest National Park

Crystal Forest Trail, Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook, AZ

• Distance: 0.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 38 feet
• Difficulty Level: Easy (great for the whole family)
• Duration: About 20 minutes
• Best Seasons to Hike: Year-round
• Trail Type: Loop

Overview

Crystal Forest Trail in Petrified Forest National Park offers a unique and colorful journey through one of the park's most concentrated areas of petrified wood. This easy, 0.80-mile loop trail is perfect for visitors of all ages, showcasing vibrant, crystal-studded logs that date back over 200 million years to the Late Triassic period. Along the paved trail, hikers can marvel at the incredible variety of petrified wood, which sparkles with quartz and other minerals, giving the forest its name. Open year-round, Crystal Forest is especially stunning in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon, when the colors of the fossilized wood are at their most vivid.

Trail Info

This is a phenomenal paved trail that winds its way through some of the most lovely petrified wood on the planet. You can take this loop clockwise or counter clockwise. You're sure to be dazzled on this little hike!

• Because the Crystal Forest Trail is in PFNP, you will need a National Park Pass to gain entry. These passes can be purchased at the entrace to the park or online.
• This is a part of the National Park System, so dogs must be kept on a leash at all times without exception.
• You absolutely must stay on the paved trail and pull-outs. It's important to follow Leave No Trace and stick to the clearly signed rules of the park.
• Theft has been an issue on this trail. Please take only photos!

Trail Highlights

This is a hike that is all about meandering! There are roughly 6,000 sights to see if you enjoy little details. For me, and many Southwest Hikers, it's like a playground for the eyes! Sparkles and colors and textures, oh my.

Every season offers unique views along the Crystal Forest Trail, so there really isn't a bad time to hike it. There are benches along the trial and small pull-outs with especially amazing petrified trees and sections of tree.

Tips

• Parking details: Large, free parking lot.
• Restroom: There is no restroom at the Crystal Forest Trail, but there is one nearby at the visitor center.
• Permits, fees, or restrictions: Requires a National Park pass.
• Camping: No camping allowed at the trailhead. Only backcountry camping allowed in the park. The town of Holbrook has a few places to camp.

Recommended Gear

• Hiking boots or trail runners
• A bottle of water

Conclusion

The Crystal Forest Trail is a great short trail that the whole family can enjoy. It's rich in up-close sights and is dog-friendly. This is a great hike to stretch your legs on a road trip or to stack with other short hikes in Petrified Forest National Park. Generally speaking, this hike doesn't get very busy, so it's a nice quiet place to soak up painted desert beauty.