Trail

Long Logs Trail

Trail
Brightly colored petrified wood with gray badlands in background

Long Logs Trail is a 1.6-mile loop showcasing one of the park's largest concentrations of petrified wood at the base of gray badlands. The first half-mile is paved and suitable for casual walkers, families, and mobility devices. The return loop narrows and roughens, requiring solid footwear and steady pace over exposed, rolling terrain. Expect full sun, no shade, and relentless heat even in mild seasons—bring water and start early to beat the midday furnace.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.6
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
300

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.6
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
300
Estimated Time
1.5 to 2 hours
Trail Surface
Paved for first half-mile; packed dirt and loose rock on loop return section
Trail Features
  • Petrified wood logs
  • Ancient log jam
  • Badlands landscape
  • Blue-gray badlands
  • Interpretive signage
  • Scenic views
Trail Highlights
One of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the park, situated at the base of gray badlands. An ancient log jam frozen in geological time, offering hikers a direct encounter with 225-million-year-old geology and park-mandated interpretive education.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Rainbow Forest Museum parking area
Parking Lot Size
Moderate capacity, accommodates auto and RV parking
Parking Fill Time
Full by mid-morning (9:30am) on weekends and holidays; weekday mornings less crowded
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle required; access via private vehicle to Rainbow Forest Museum parking

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required for day use
Fees
$25 per private vehicle (valid 7 days), or $15 per person (youth 15 and under free). Covers park entrance.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Park closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; otherwise open year-round. Park Road hours subject to change due to weather or safety issues.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Dry trail. No water sources along route. Carry all water needed.
Accessibility
First half-mile fully paved and accessible for mobility equipment and strollers. Loop section has narrow turns (85-inch minimum width) and rough, uneven surface; not recommended for most wheelchairs. Strollers negotiable with care. Shade shelter stairs can be avoided.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Sun exposure
  • Dehydration
  • Rough terrain on loop
  • Slippery when wet
  • Coyotes
  • Loose rock
Hazard Details
Extreme sun exposure in high-desert environment—even easy trails demand hydration respect. Loop section has narrow, rough, uneven surface with loose rock; secure footing essential. Trail slick after rain. Coyotes present; make noise and maintain 25-yard distance. Petrified wood is sharp and protected—stay on trail.
Cell Service
Spotty. Do not rely on cell service for emergencies; ranger stations are your backup.
Crowd Level
Moderate to busy, especially 9am–4pm
Peak Crowd Times
9am to 4pm daily; weekends and holidays heaviest; January–February slowest
Best Season
October through April (fall, winter, spring)—mild temperatures and manageable sun exposure
Best Time To Visit
Start before 8am to hike before heat peaks. In summer, avoid 10am–4pm entirely. Fall, winter, and spring (October–April) are ideal—mild temps and lower UV intensity. Even then, early departure wins.
Tips Advice
  • Carry minimum 1–2L water; desert sun is relentless even on easy trails. Drink before you're thirsty.
  • Start by 7–8am to finish before heat peaks.
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat non-negotiable.
  • Watch for coyotes—make noise, maintain 25-yard distance.
  • Tread carefully on the rough loop return; loose rock and narrow sections demand attention.
  • The paved section can be slick after rare rain.
  • Stay on trail; petrified wood is protected—removal is illegal and reported.

More details

Park Area
Petrified Forest National Park, Rainbow Forest area
Trail Markers
Well-marked. Trail is established, easy to follow, with signage and interpretive plaques at key points.
Shade Level
Full sun exposure throughout; no shade structures or vegetation cover
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 for immediate emergencies. Petrified Forest National Park Visitor Center can be reached through park rangers on duty at the Rainbow Forest Museum area.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Rare in this high-desert location; winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Occasional frost in January–February; snow extremely unlikely.
Mud Season
After heavy monsoon rains (July–September); avoid trail for 24–48 hours post-rainfall
Wildflower Peak
Spring (March–April) after winter rains bring brief wildflower blooms to surrounding areas
Fall Colors Peak
Limited; high desert has minimal deciduous trees. Best color is in scrubland vegetation in late October.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes rare; occasional flies and gnats in summer. Not a significant bug concern compared to forest trails.
Insider Tips
  • The paved section feels easy; don't underestimate the loop return. Pace yourself.
  • The highest concentration of petrified wood is on the first half-mile and immediate loop section—don't miss the interpretive signs.
  • Visit at golden hour (sunrise or 1 hour before sunset) for dramatic light on badlands and wood.
  • The loop feels mentally longer than 0.8 miles because of terrain; bring podcasts or mental endurance.
  • Take photos of petrified wood patterns, not specimens—leaving wood intact is the whole point.
Recent Updates
No recent trail closures or major maintenance reported. Park status stable as of 2026.
Family Friendly Notes
Very family-friendly—short distance and paved start allow young children to succeed. Paved section is stroller-friendly. Loop terrain requires solid footing for kids 5+. Teach older kids about the rough, narrow return section; hand-holding may be necessary. Excellent interpretive opportunity for geology education; make it a learning hike, not a speed hike.
Nearby Facilities
Rainbow Forest Museum (visitor center, restrooms, exhibits, water fountain) at trailhead. No other services nearby; nearest town (Holbrook) is 30 miles east. Bring supplies and water from park entrance.
Review Summary
Hikers consistently praise the ease-to-reward ratio: a massive petrified wood display in badlands setting with minimal distance. Most report it's perfect for families and those seeking quick geologic payoff. Complaints center on sun exposure and crowding 9am–4pm. Consensus: respect the heat, start early, and bring water.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can a beginner or young child do this trail?

Yes. 1.6 miles with a paved start makes it accessible for beginners. Paved section works for strollers and young kids. Loop return is rougher but manageable for kids 5+. The real challenge is sun exposure, not distance.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. Trail is popular, well-marked, and short. Park rangers patrol. Make noise for coyotes and maintain distance (25 yards). Cell service spotty, but nearby crowd helps. Daytime hikes are safest.

How much water should I carry?

Minimum 1–2 liters. No water sources along trail. Drink before you're thirsty. In summer, bring 2–3L or plan a very early hike (before 7am) and finish by 10am.

What's the most difficult part?

The return loop is narrower, rougher, and more exposed than the paved start. Sun exposure throughout is the real killer, not terrain. Mental fatigue from heat often exceeds physical fatigue.

Do I need hiking boots or special gear?

Good hiking boots strongly recommended for the rough loop section. Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. Trekking poles optional but useful on rough terrain. Hydration system or refillable bottles essential.

Will I see wildlife?

Coyotes are present but typically avoid humans. Make noise while hiking. Rare to see bears. Lizards, birds, and ground squirrels common. Maintain 25-yard distance from all wildlife.

When is the best time to visit—morning or afternoon?

Always morning. Start by 7–8am and finish by 11am. Afternoon hikes 2pm–4pm possible in winter only. Summer afternoons are dangerous due to heat intensity. Early arrival also beats crowds.

Agate House Trail

2-mile pueblo walk, paved start, rough finish. Hydrate or dehydrate.

Blue Mesa Trail

1-mile loop through badlands of petrified wood and blue clay. Steep start, full sun, no water—tactical challenge.

Become a BARK Ranger!

Bring your leashed pet on PEFO trails via BARK Ranger. Free certificate at visitor center. Manage heat aggressively.

Crystal Forest Trail

Desert loop showcasing petrified wood. Hit it early to beat the heat—no shade on this one.

Giant Logs Trail

0.4mi paved loop with stairs. See logs up to 10ft wide. Expect full sun and heat.

Tawa Trail

Wheelchair-accessible grassland ramble with Painted Desert views. Zero technical challenge.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

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.