Hiking the Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest National Park
Distance: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
The Blue Mesa Trail is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Petrified Forest National Park!
I say this because, unlike the red rolling hills of the Painted Desert in the northern part of the park, the Blue Mesa badlands are unlike any part of the Painted Desert found elsewhere!
For these reasons, the Blue Mesa Trail tends to be one of the more popular hikes in Petrified Forest, especially because the entirety of the trail is paved.
However, if you want to explore an area of the Blue Mesa that is not as often hiked as the Blue Mesa Trail, I highly encourage you to read my separate article about the Historic Blue Forest Trail, which links up with the Blue Mesa Loop Trail shown below.
Read My Separate Post: Historic Blue Forest Trail
Blue Mesa Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Blue Mesa Trailhead is located off Blue Mesa Scenic Road, about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from the turn off Petrified Forest Road.
On the one-way loop around the Blue Mesa, the trailhead is located on the second-to-last turnout, which is the largest parking area on the Blue Mesa, as this is one of the most popular day hikes in all of Petrified Forest National Park.
Google Maps Directions: Blue Mesa 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 Blue Mesa Trail
The Blue Mesa Trail begins atop the Blue Mesa, but that quickly changes as the paved trail descends the cliffs to the loop trail down below.
Overall, this descent only drops about 100 ft. (30.5 m), making the hike back out much more mild than it could be.
Blue Mesa Loop Trail
This is where the Blue Mesa Trail splits, and while it makes no difference which direction you choose to hike, know that the connection with the Historic Blue Forest Trail junction can be found a short distance ahead by going to the right.
This counterclockwise direction is the way I chose to hike the loop.
Blue Mesa-Historic Blue Forest Junction
At this sharp turn on the northern end of the Blue Mesa Loop, the Historic Blue Forest Trail joins with the Blue Mesa Trail.
To learn more about this separate adventure, I encourage you to read my separate article linked below, as this junction is not trailhead that I recommend beginning the Historic Blue Forest Trail.
Read My Separate Post: Historic Blue Forest Trail
The lookout just past the Blue Mesa Trailhead can be seen at the top of the Blue Mesa badlands in the photo below.
I can’t imagine that this massive log will be resting like this forever!
In my opinion, the east side of the loop is the most beautiful part of the Blue Mesa Trail.
Blue Mesa Loop Junction
This is the completion of the Blue Mesa Loop Trail, and the same split in the trail from earlier.
Here, go right to begin the hike back up to the trailhead, climbing roughly 100 ft. (30.5 m) from this junction to the parking lot.
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!
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
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
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.

About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!