Distance: 0.8 miles
Type: Lollipop loop
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
Water: No
The Crystal Forest Trail is an easy 0.8 mile lollipop loop hike in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona that brings visitors past stunning examples of petrified trees and wood. Named for the crystals found within the petrified wood, the quick and easy hike is a must-do for anyone visiting the park.
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Crystal Forest Trail Description
The easy loop can be hiked clockwise or counterclockwise, each direction providing beautiful petrified wood samples as well as gorgeous views of the surrounding high desert. Heading counterclockwise, the trail makes an ascent up small badlands hills, twisting and wrapping through the ancient forest.
From the top of the hill, the trail wraps around the rolling hills, constantly providing beautiful views of the desert landscapes in the distance, as well as striking petrified wood up close. You’ll then continue wrapping below the hills where the loop closes out and follows the entry trail back to the parking area.
Getting There
From the Petrified Forest National Park entrance station along I-40, continue down Petrified Forest Road (ie, the main road) for 19.5 miles. Turn left into the Crystal Forest Trailhead parking lot.