Guided Activities

Guided Activities

Depending on staffing, we will have rangers, volunteers, and museum associates available at the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark, and the Painted Desert Visitor Center area. We hope to also keep our staff members out on the trails and at overlooks so please be sure to say hello! In the past we have offered hikes, talks, walks, and touch tables during certain times of the year, too.

Celebrate Arizona Archeology month with a hike at Petrified Forest National Park!

Learn about the past by joining a ranger for a guided hike into the beautiful and ancient landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park. Expect off trail conditions that include rocky and rugged desert terrain. Reservations required. Contact: Victoria Philpott, 928-241-8694, victoria_montoya-philpott@nps.gov Time and location will be given with reservation.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 3 miles round trip over undulating terrain to an ancient rock art site. Be prepared to hike approximately 3 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain is about 225 feet and rated moderate. Reservations required.

Friday, March 14, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Martha’s Butte & Beyond
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 5 miles round trip over undulating terrain to an ancient rock art site. Be prepared to hike approximately 5 hours over rugged desert terrain, average elevation gain is about 225 feet and rated moderate. Reservations required.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon
Difficulty: Easy/Challenging
Hike 3.5 miles round trip to an old interpretive area featuring a foot trail constructed in the 1930s. The trail, which is challenging, provides access to a large number of petroglyphs. Be prepared to hike approximately 3 hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions, average elevation gain about 200 feet, and rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional. Reservations required.

Friday, March 21, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Starving Man
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike 6 miles round trip to boulders covered in petroglyphs and continue to badlands with ascending high ridge panoramic views. Be prepared to hike approximately 6 hours over rugged desert terrain, up and around a mesa with average elevation gain about 300 feet and rated moderate. Reservations required.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Guided Backcountry Hike: Flat Iron / Lore’s Bridge
Hike 3 miles round trip to view painted desert scenery, petroglyphs, and Lore’s bridge with a park ranger. Be prepared to hike approximately 4-6 hours through off-trail conditions including steep switch backs. Average elevation gain about 400 feet. Reservations required.

Friday, March 28, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Mesa
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hike 7.5 miles round trip to a major rock art site in the park’s northern wilderness. Be prepared to hike approximately 7 hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions, average elevation gain about 550 feet, and rated strenuous except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional. Reservations required.

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: BARK Ranger Walkabout
Difficulty: Easy
Hike 3 miles round trip through the badlands with your dog. Highlights include panoramic views and geological features. Be prepared to hike 2 hours in off-trail conditions, average elevation gain approximately 200 feet, rated easy. Reservations required.

Friday, April 4, 2025
Guided Backcountry Hike: Petroglyph Canyon
Difficulty: Easy/Challenging
Hike 3.5 miles round trip to an old foot trail constructed in the 1930s. The trail, which is challenging, provides views to dozens of petroglyphs. Be prepared to hike approximately 3 hours through off-trail conditions including climbing rocky conditions, average elevation gain about 200 feet, and rated easy except for the steep, rugged foot trail to the petroglyphs, which is challenging and optional. Reservations required.

Discover Rangers and Volunteers in the Park!

Keep your eyes open for one of our Interpreters out on the trails, the plaza, museum, or at overlooks. We love to answer questions and share the park's many stories. You might find us with touch tables, too!

Petrified Forest Field Institute, a Park Partner

Petrified Forest Field Institute--offered by the non-profit museum association--is proud to offer guided tours and field classes exploring fun and compelling subjects lead by world class guides and experts. https://www.petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org/ This is not a government website or institution.

Artist-in-Residence Program

In the Artist-in-Residence Program selected artists spend time living and working in the park, sharing their experiences with visitors.

Cultural Demonstration Program

The Cultural Demonstration Program at Petrified Forest National Park provides local artisans with the opportunity to share their cultural and historical connections to the region with park visitors.