Trail

Giant Logs Trail

Trail
Hikers walking on trail through grassland and pieces of petrified wood, mostly cloudy sky above.

Giant Logs Trail is a short paved loop featuring the largest petrified logs in Petrified Forest—including 'Old Faithful,' a specimen nearly 10 feet wide at the trail's high point. The 0.4-mile route includes stairs and grades up to 19%, making it manageable for most but not a casual stroll. You'll see the highest concentration of massive, colorful petrified wood and geological formations throughout. Self-guided with interpretive signs and trail guide available at nearby Rainbow Forest Museum.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.4
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Easy-to-Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
150

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.4
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Easy-to-Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
150
Estimated Time
30–45 minutes
Trail Surface
Paved with multiple flights of stairs
Trail Features
  • Massive petrified logs
  • Old Faithful log specimen
  • Colorful geological formations
  • High concentration of petrified wood
  • Interpretive signs
  • Scenic views
Trail Highlights
The iconic 'Old Faithful' petrified log—nearly 10 feet wide at its base—anchors the trail's high point. This is the park's most concentrated showcase of massive, colorful petrified wood. The trail delivers big geology in a compact, accessible package.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Behind Rainbow Forest Museum, 2 miles from south park entrance, 26 miles from north park entrance
Parking Lot Size
Moderate capacity
Parking Fill Time
Full by 10 AM on weekends and mid-morning summer weekdays
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle required. Drive directly to Rainbow Forest Museum trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No special permit required. Pay standard Petrified Forest National Park entrance fee at the gate.
Fees
$25 (private vehicle, 7-day pass); $15 per person (bicycle or foot, 7-day pass); $20 (motorcycle, 7-day pass); $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry to all federal recreation areas
Trail Status
Open year-round except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Seasonal Closures
Park closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Summer heat is extreme. Winter snow is rare at this elevation (5,400 ft). Check park website before visiting if planning mid-winter trip.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Water fountains and bottle-filling stations at Rainbow Forest Museum trailhead. Dry trail—bring your own water.
Accessibility
Paved surface sounds accessible but isn't. Tread is 57 inches wide (minimum 48 inches), grades reach 19.1%, and multiple stairs make this unsuitable for mobility devices or strollers. Visitors with mobility limitations should consult ranger at museum before attempting.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Stairs
  • Steep grades
  • Full sun exposure
  • Dehydration risk
  • Slippery when wet
Hazard Details
Stairs are the primary hazard—they're steep, unshaded, and slippery when wet. Max grade of 19.1% on sections demands secure footing. Full sun with no shade on paved trail means rapid fluid loss. Tread width varies (48–57 inches); narrower sections can feel exposed.
Cell Service
Likely available near museum but may be spotty on trail. Ranger station nearby for emergencies. Do not rely on cell for navigation.
Crowd Level
Moderate to heavy, especially mid-day and weekends
Peak Crowd Times
10 AM–3 PM on weekends and summer (June–August). Weekday mornings are quietest.
Best Season
Fall and spring (October–April) offer comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summer (June–August) is extremely hot—90°F+. Avoid mid-day in summer.
Best Time To Visit
Arrive before 8 AM to beat crowds and heat. Visit October–April for comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is brutal—90°F+ by midday. Spring (March–April) and fall (September–October) offer ideal conditions. Always bring 2+ liters of water, even for this short trail.
Tips Advice
  • Start before 8 AM—lot fills mid-morning and heat intensifies rapidly.
  • Wear sturdy trail shoes; stairs demand secure footing.
  • Bring at least 2 liters of water; full sun and no shade mean rapid dehydration.
  • Tighten boot laces before descent—stairs and gravity create ankle risk.
  • Grab the free trail guide at Rainbow Forest Museum; it explains the geology.
  • Use trekking poles on stairs if knees are weak; descent stresses joints.

More details

Park Area
South Park Area, Behind Rainbow Forest Museum
Trail Markers
Well-marked paved trail. Trail guide available at Rainbow Forest Museum explains key stops. Low risk of navigation error.
Shade Level
Zero shade. Full sun on paved desert trail. Hats and sunscreen essential.
Emergency Contacts
Rainbow Forest Museum (visitor center with rangers). Call 911 from museum area. Non-emergency: contact park headquarters at (928) 524-6228.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Snow is rare at this elevation. No significant winter closures expected, but check conditions if visiting December–February.
Mud Season
After heavy desert rains (typically August–September monsoon season), trail may have puddles and slick patches. Not typically problematic.
Wildflower Peak
Spring (March–April) after winter rains. Wildflowers are sparse in this area but possible near trailhead.
Fall Colors Peak
No significant foliage. Trail features petrified wood and desert scrub, no seasonal color changes.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes are rare in this desert environment. Occasional gnats in early morning. No significant bug season.
Insider Tips
  • The trail guide at the museum is free and worth grabbing—it explains the geology.
  • Skip the midday crush: hike before 8 AM.
  • 'Old Faithful' log is impressive but smaller logs nearby offer better photos from different angles.
  • Bring a camera with polarizing filter to cut sun glare on petrified wood.
Recent Updates
No recent trail modifications reported. Park conditions stable; check NPS website for weather-related closures.
Family Friendly Notes
Short distance (0.4 miles) and paved surface appeal to families with small children. However, stairs require close supervision. No water on trail—bring your own. Heat is intense; plan for early morning or late afternoon. Children under 15 enter park free.
Nearby Facilities
Rainbow Forest Museum has visitor center, restrooms, water, gift shop, and interpretive exhibits. Picnic tables and shelters available in area. No lodging on-site; nearest accommodations are in Holbrook, AZ (30 miles east) or Winslow, AZ (35 miles west).
Review Summary
Hikers praise the compact size and geological showcase—perfect for a quick park intro. Main complaint: intense sun and crowds by 10 AM. Experienced hikers note that despite being paved and short, the stairs and grades demand respect. Most recommend arriving early and bringing ample water.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How hard is this trail?

Easier than it looks. The 0.4-mile distance is short, but stairs and grades up to 19% add challenge. Most finish in 30–45 minutes. Not a 'walk in the park,' but manageable for anyone without significant mobility limitations.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. Trail is short, well-marked, and near the museum. Stay on paved path, bring water, alert a ranger. Cell service is likely but not guaranteed. Early morning: plenty of other hikers on trail.

What should I bring?

At minimum: 2+ liters of water, hat, sunscreen, sturdy trail shoes (stairs require good traction). Optional: trekking poles for knee support, camera, free trail guide from museum. Avoid flip-flops—stairs demand secure footwear.

Are there bears or dangerous wildlife?

No bears. Rattlesnakes present but rarely seen on busy trails. Keep 25 yards from any wildlife. Make noise as you hike—snakes usually avoid you. Don't hike at dawn or dusk.

Can I bring my dog?

Status unknown. Check with rangers at Rainbow Forest Museum. Some park trails allow dogs; others don't. Call ahead: (928) 524-6228.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, for kids ages 8+. Short distance appeals but stairs require coordination and supervision for younger children. Bring water and snacks. Kids under 15 enter park free.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.