Hiking the Giant Logs Trail in Petrified Forest National Park
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Giant Logs Trail is one of the most popular trails in Petrified Forest National Park, largely on account of its short distance, relatively mild elevation changes, and its close proximity to the Rainbow Forest Museum and Long Logs-Agate House Trail.
Furthermore, the Giant Logs Trail is a great trail to hike, whether it’s your first stop when coming to Petrified Forest from the south entrance or the last thing you do before leaving the park.
All said, I highly recommend walking the easy and kid-friendly Giant Logs Trail, which can be especially beautiful from the scenic overlook at sunset!
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!
Giant Logs Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Giant Logs Trail is located in the Rainbow Forest Historic District in the southern part of Petrified Forest National Park, about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) north of Highway 180.
With that in mind, the Rainbow Forest Historic District is not only the parking area for the Giant Logs Trail, but it also serves as the parking lot for the Long Logs-Agate House Trail and the Rainbow Forest Museum/ Gift Shop.
Google Maps Directions: Rainbow Forest Museum
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 Giant Logs Trail
The Giant Logs Trail, also called the Giant Logs Interpretive Trail, begins directly behind the Rainbow Forest Museum.
That being said, you can pick up a trail guide in the Rainbow Forest Museum to follow along with the numbers scattered throughout the short 0.6-mile (1.0 km) loop.
Giant Logs Loop Trail
Immediately after the Rainbow Forest Museum, the Giant Logs Trail splits into three different paths.
The paths to the right and left are for the outer loop, and the trail in the middle is a shortcut that leads directly to the Old Faithful Log, which is often considered the highlight of the Giant Logs Trail.
In any case, I chose to go right in the counterclockwise direction because the outer loop also passes by the Old Faithful Log on a slightly longer path.
This split is for the Stephen T. Mather plaque, which can be seen in the photo below.
Stephen T. Mather Plaque
In short, Stephen T. Mather was one of the most influential conservationists who helped build both public and political support to establish the National Park Service as we know it today.
Therefore, plaques such as this can be found in various National Parks scattered across the United States, not just here in Petrified Forest.
As the Giant Logs Trail moves forward, you’ll continue to pass by a number of stops along the interpretive trail, which is why I recommend picking up a trail guide if you have the time.
Old Faithful
Unlike the widely-known Old Faithful Geyser that can be enjoyed from the Observation Point Trail in Yellowstone National Park, the Old Faithful Log in Petrified Forest National Park is a bit different from that of Yellowstone.
However, the Old Faithful log was, in fact, named after the Old Faithful Geyser! The name originated from one of the park superintendent’s wife, as she compared the symbolic log in Petrified Forest to that of the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone.
At any rate, the 35-ft. (10.6 m) long Old Faithful Log that can be seen today is fractured due to a lightning strike that occurred in 1962. Subsequently, the National Park Service repaired the damage and built supports in order to preserve the log for future generations, which is what can be see here today!
Past the Old Faithful Log, you can either go left to loop back on the shortest path to the trailhead, or right to continue to a scenic viewpoint, located about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) away.
Giant Logs Viewpoint
This is a scenic viewpoint on the far end of the Giant Logs Trail, and while it may not look like much on an overcast day like this, the west-facing view can make for a great spot to watch the sunset, being that the walk back to the trailhead is so quick and easy!
Stay to the right to remain on the outer Giant Logs Loop.
Toward the end of the loop, the Giant Logs Trail drops down this hill, which is the steepest part of the entire hike.
The trail to the right is the shortcut mentioned earlier that leads directly to the Old Faithful Log, with the Rainbow Forest Museum located shortly ahead to the right.
Rainbow Forest Museum (Giant Logs Trailhead)
Overall, the Giant Logs Trail is one of the easiest and most self-explanatory trails in Petrified Forest National Park.
That being said, I highly encourage staying to hike both the Giant Logs Trail and the slightly longer Long Logs-Agate House Trail out of this same Rainbow Forest Trailhead, as both make for two of the best things to do in the southern part of Petrified Forest National Park!
Read My Separate Post: Long Logs & Agate House Trail
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!
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
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!
