Hiking the Tawa Trail in Petrified Forest National Park
Distance (One Way): 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Tawa Trail in Petrified Forest National Park is a hidden gem compared to other, similar hikes within the park.
By this, I mean that the Tawa Trail is a favorite in Petrified Forest for travelers on I-40 because the short 1.2-mile (1.9 km) out-and-back trail is the best way to visit Petrified Forest without paying the National Park entrance fee.
In fact, the Tawa Trail is the only trail in Petrified Forest that can be hiked without paying the National Park entrance fee. However, the Tawa Trail is commonly combined with the Painted Desert Rim Trail at Tawa Point—the terminus of the Tawa Trail—to make one longer 3.4-mile (5.5 km) adventure that can all be seen without paying to enter the park!
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!
Tawa Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Tawa Trail is located at either the Painted Desert Visitor Center (the northern of the two visitor centers in Petrified Forest) or the Tawa Point-Painted Desert Rim Trailhead, located about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) away from the visitor center.
That being said, the Tawa Trail can only be hiked without paying the park entrance fee if you park at the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
Google Maps Directions: Tawa 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!
Walking to the Trailhead
To get to the Tawa Trailhead from the Painted Desert Visitor Center, walk toward the visitor center and then turn left on the path past the building for the café and gift shop.
Hiking the Tawa Trail
As previously mentioned, the Tawa Trail can be hiked from either Tawa Point or the Painted Desert Visitor Center, but this is the trail from south to north, beginning from the visitor center.
Petrified Forest Road
This is where the Tawa Trail passes on the far side of the Petrified Forest entrance station; hence, the reason that this is the only trail in the park that can be hiked for free.
On the far side of the road, the Tawa Trail simply winds its way through the prairies of northern Arizona, gaining only about 100 ft (30.5 m) of elevation from the visitor center to Tawa Point.
Historic Route 66
This is roughly where the Tawa Trail crosses Historic Route 66, but today, there is little evidence that the Mother Road was even here.
This is where the Tawa Trail turns toward Tawa Point, located about 0.6 miles (1.0 km) ahead.
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!
Petrified Forest Road
Finally, the Tawa Trail crosses over Petrified Forest Road one more time before finishing in the parking lot for Tawa Point and the Painted Desert Rim Trail.
Tawa-Painted Desert Rim Trailhead
The end of the Tawa Trail is the joint trailhead for both the Tawa and Painted Desert Rim Trails, as well as Tawa Point, located a short walk past the parking area.
That being said, the Tawa Trail and Painted Desert Rim Trail are commonly combined into one longer adventure, totaling about 3.4 miles (5.5 km) roundtrip.
To learn more, I encourage you to see how the Painted Desert Rim Trail continues onto the historic Painted Desert Inn, using my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Painted Desert Rim 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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