Hiking the Billings Gap Overlook Trail in Petrified Forest National Park
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
The Billings Gap Overlook Trail in Petrified Forest National Park falls under what the National Park Service calls a 'social trail.'
In short, a 'social trail' is a trail that is neither designated nor maintained by the agency, as they are commonly created by the hiking community.
That being said, the Billings Gap Overlook Trail is a great day hike because few, if any, park visitors hike the trail on a daily basis, meaning that you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy the trail without the crowds that can be found in other areas around the park, like the Crystal Forest Trail.
Furthermore, the Billings Gap Overlook itself features expansive northeast-facing views of the Blue Mesa, making the trail an all-around great sunrise and sunset adventure.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Billings Gap Overlook Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Billings Gap Overlook Trailhead is located about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) up Blue Mesa Scenic Road. This is also the third turnout off the scenic drive.
With that in mind, if you’ve driven as far as the Blue Mesa Trail, you’ve missed the Billings Gap Trailhead and will need to loop back around.
Google Maps Directions: Billings Gap Overlook Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Petrified Forest
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Petrified Forest National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Billings Gap Overlook Trail
The Billings Gap Overlook Trail begins at this unmarked trailhead at the southeastern side of the parking area.
Here, the roughly 1.1-mile (1.8 km) out-and-back trail simply traverses the northern cliffs of the Blue Mesa out to the easternmost point above Billings Gap.
For the most part, the Billings Gap Overlook Trail is fairly straightforward, but there are a handful of spots that tend to be more vague than others, as few visitors in Petrified Forest venture out on this undesignated adventure.
This is especially true on the loop trail at the very end.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
As I’m sure the photos of the trail make it obvious, but the Billings Gap Overlook Trail has essentially no elevation change, making it one of the flattest and easiest hikes in all of Petrified Forest National Park.
Billings Gap Loop Trail
This is where the Billings Gap Overlook Trail splits into the loop around the easternmost point of the Blue Mesa.
That being said, most visitors tend to stay to the left because this section of the loop is far easier to follow than the trail that returns back to this point on the right.
Billings Gap Overlook
This is the Billings Gap Overlook at the northeasternmost point of the Blue Mesa.
In any case, there are numerous beautiful viewpoints along the cliffs of the loop, but be careful, as many spots in this soft-soil landscape are unstable.
This is where the Billings Gap Overlook Loop became the most vague, and in my experience, staying on the 'trail' was what proved to be the most difficult.
However, as long as you’re working your way back to the north (right), you will eventually run into the main trail that leads back to the beginning.
Billings Gap Loop Junction
This is where the Billings Gap Loop Trail returns to the main trail.
Overall, the Billings Gap Overlook Trail is a great and beautiful day hike, especially if you hike the trail for sunrise or sunset!
I say this because the soft golden light on the desert landscape is, by far, the most beautiful time of day to hike in Petrified Forest, as opposed to midday when the harsh light can wash out the best of the colors on the Blue Mesa.
More Petrified Forest Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Petrified Forest National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
In Petrified Forest National Park, most safety concerns are related to the hot summer heat/ dehydration, steep, unstable trails, and falls from cliff edges, as many can be unstable in this soft-soil landscape.
Additionally, there are a number of snake species native to Petrified Forest, but only two are considered to be venomous.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Petrified Forest National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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