Hiking the Historic Blue Forest Trail in Petrified Forest National Park
Distance: 2.6 miles / 4.2 km
The Historic Blue Forest Trail in Petrified Forest National Park feels like a hidden gem compared to its sister hike, the Blue Mesa Trail.
By this, I mean that the Historic Blue Forest Trail traverses some of the most beautiful sections of badlands around the Blue Mesa, without the same amount of visitors that the paved Blue Mesa Trail inevitably attracts.
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!
Why is it Called the Historic Blue Forest Trail?
The Historic Blue Forest Trail carries the name 'historic' because it was once a road and trail constructed in the mid-1930s to connect both the Upper and Lower Blue Mesa Roads. However, in 1955, both were closed and replaced by the current Blue Mesa Trail until 2013 when the Blue Forest Trail, including the old road, was reopened to park visitors!
Today, this is the trail you see below, and it makes for a great, and in my opinion, more beautiful alternative to the traditional Blue Mesa Loop Trail.
All said, both the Blue Mesa and Historic Blue Forest Trails are two of the best day hikes in all of Petrified Forest National Park. With that in mind, both trails can be connected to make one longer day hike, beginning from either trailhead.
To learn more, I highly encourage you to read this article to the end.
Historic Blue Forest Trailhead Parking
The Historic Blue Forest Trailhead can be found at the South Teepees Pullout, about 13.8 miles (22.2 km) south of the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
Here, parking can be found directly on the left-hand side of Petrified Forest Road when driving south through the park.
Google Maps Directions: Historic Blue Forest 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 Historic Blue Forest Trail
The Historic Blue Forest Trail begins on the old 1930s-era Lower Blue Mesa Road, which begins adjacent to the parking area.
Following the trailhead, the Historic Blue Forest Trail follows a flat trail until it reaches the base of the badlands, about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) away.
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!
This is where the Historic Blue Forest Trail reaches the Blue Mesa Badlands, which is also where the trail will begin climbing up a number of switchbacks.
This is the view looking west at the flat part of the Blue Forest Trail.
After this initial ascent, the Historic Blue Forest Trail will level out again, following a series of rolling hills until it reaches the steeper badlands that can be seen off in the distance.
At this split, go left to continue on the Historic Blue Forest Trail.
The trail to the right simply leads to the top of the peak in the photo below, but I recommend continuing on the Historic Blue Forest Trail, as it climbs a bit higher than this first optional summit.
In my opinion, these next sections were the most beautiful parts of the entire Historic Blue Forest Trail!
Next, the Historic Blue Forest Trail will climb another series of switchbacks, with the final one being the most difficult and dangerous if Petrified Forest has seen any recent rain.
This is the final switchback up to the top, and this slippery, muddy ascent was, by far, more difficult to walk up than the photo below may make it seem.
On top of this, the cliff to the right is steeper than it may appear, which is why I recommend turning back if you’re having any difficulty climbing up.
Once at the top, the Historic Blue Forest Trail follows the crest of the ridge before dropping down to the Blue Mesa Loop Trail within the heart of the badlands shortly ahead.
This is where the Historic Blue Forest Trail begins the descent down to the Blue Mesa Trail.
That being said, if you plan to hike the Blue Mesa Trail as a separate day hike, it may not make sense to continue further.
However, what I can say is that this short connection down to the loop trail leads into the best parts of the Blue Mesa Trail, meaning that it makes for a great option to feel like you’re completing two hikes in one, should you choose to continue further.
Blue Mesa-Historic Blue Forest Junction
Finally, the Historic Blue Forest Trail ends where the Blue Mesa Loop Trail begins.
If you were interested in hiking further, the paved loop only adds another 0.5 miles (0.8 km), which I encourage you to learn more about in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Blue Mesa Trail
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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