Blue Mesa
Updated
Location
How to Get There
This hike is located near Holbrook, AZ.
To get to the trailhead: From Holbrook area, take I-40 East to exit 311 (24 miles). The North entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park is here. The signed turn-off to the Blue Mesa loop drive is about 15 miles from the north entrance. Turn left and take this road 2.6 miles to the pullout on the right side of the road.
To get to the south entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park, take HWY-180 south-east 19 miles to the South entrance of the park. The turn-off to the Blue Mesa loop drive is about 11 miles from the south entrance.
To get to the trailhead: From Holbrook area, take I-40 East to exit 311 (24 miles). The North entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park is here. The signed turn-off to the Blue Mesa loop drive is about 15 miles from the north entrance. Turn left and take this road 2.6 miles to the pullout on the right side of the road.
To get to the south entrance to the Petrified Forest National Park, take HWY-180 south-east 19 miles to the South entrance of the park. The turn-off to the Blue Mesa loop drive is about 11 miles from the south entrance.
addressone
Petrified Forest
state
AZ
country
USA
Region
Petrified Forest National Park and North Eastern AZ
Hike details
Distance
1.00 [Miles] Total
Hike Distance- Details
The distance is 1.0 miles for the loop hike described.
Time
0.45 [Hours]
Time-details
This hike took about 45 minutes with a leisurely pace.
Elevation Change
300 Total gain/loss [Feet]
Elevation Gain
150 Total Elevation Gain [Feet]
Elevation Details
about 150 ft
Hike Trail Type
Loop
Season
Best Season
- March
- April
- May
- September
- October
Worst Season
- June
- July
- August
Season Details
Time of year: All Year. If hiking in the summer, best start this hike early in the morning because it can get hot. Best hiked during fall and spring.
Date Hike completed
March 01, 2005
Solitude
Solitude Details
Solitude: This is a popular national park. Expect to share this trail with 10 other hikers and sightseers.
Difficulty
difficulty detail
Be Aware of: entry fee for the National Park.
30 yr old Recommendation: A nice opportunity to get down inside the painted desert and get a good look. The hike described here is an Easy hike.
30 yr old Recommendation: A nice opportunity to get down inside the painted desert and get a good look. The hike described here is an Easy hike.
Permits
Be Aware of
entry fee for the National Park
Hike Blue Mesa in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.
The painted desert consists of mounds and hills of rock, mud, and clay that are stained in different colors. This is a good opportunity inside the park to get up close and personal to these hills. There are also a multitude of petrified rocks around to add to the experience.
The trail well marked and parts are paved. It starts from the Blue Mesa trail head along the Blue Mesa loop drive. The trail starts along a ridge and then quickly descends down the ridge to the bottom of the desert. The steep section of the trail is paved, making access easier. The trail then loops along the bottom of the desert, with exhibits pointing out the interesting features of the area.
