Blue Mesa Trailhead

About

The Blue Mesa Trailhead is perhaps the single best trail to experience the unique landscape of the Petrified Forest National Park. Meandering through the bluish clay badlands, you’ll be treated to oddly shaped hills and buttes eroded to an "elephant skin" texture by thousands of years of erosion. Along the 1-mile loop, you’ll also come across petrified wood and pedestal logs. And, unlike most national parks, you can bring your dog on the trail as long as you keep it on a leash and clean up any “messes”. If you don’t feel like walking, or are pressed for time, just take the Blue Mesa Scenic Loop road to see this amazing landscape from the comfort of your car. There are numerous overlooks where you can pull over to fully appreciate the dramatic vista.