Trail
Tawa Trail
The Tawa Trail is your gateway to Petrified Forest without breaking a sweat. This 1.2-mile groomed path stretches from scenic Tawa Point to the Painted Desert Visitor Center, offering steady views of the grassland and Painted Desert. Wheelchair accessible with benches along the way, it's designed for families and anyone who wants landscape views without technical climbing. Perfect for stretching your legs after the drive.
Quick facts
- Distance Miles
- 1.2
- Route Type
- Out-and-back or shuttle between Tawa Point and Visitor Center
- Difficulty Level
- Easy—Wheelchair accessible with groomed surface.
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 81
Trail profile
- Distance Miles
- 1.2
- Route Type
- Out-and-back or shuttle between Tawa Point and Visitor Center
- Difficulty Level
- Easy—Wheelchair accessible with groomed surface.
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 81
- Estimated Time
- 30–45 minutes depending on photos and pace.
- Trail Surface
- Groomed surface, firm and stable.
- Trail Features
- Painted Desert views
- Grassland landscape
- Benches and rest areas
- Information kiosk at endpoints
- Trail Highlights
- Panoramic vistas of the Painted Desert. In Hopi tradition, Tawa refers to the Sun Spirit—the Creator. Sunrise and sunset bring warm light across the desert grassland.
Trailhead & access
- Trailhead Location
- Painted Desert Visitor Center (north entrance) or Tawa Point (1.5 miles south of Visitor Center)
- Shuttle Required
- 0
- Shuttle Details
- Two trailheads available. From Painted Desert Visitor Center to Tawa Point is 1.5 miles by road. Some visitors shuttle between endpoints; others walk the trail one way and return via same route.
Permits & conditions
- Permit Details
- None required.
- Fees
- $25 per private vehicle (7 days) or $15 per person on foot/bicycle
- Trail Status
- Open
- Seasonal Closures
- Park closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Park road hours may change due to weather or safety issues.
Facilities & rules
- Restrooms At Trailhead
- 1
- Water Sources
- No water sources on trail. Carry all water from Visitor Center.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible. Groomed surface meets ADA standards for outdoor developed areas. Typical grade 2.3% with max 8.3%. Tread width 60 inches. No obstacles.
Safety & strategy
- Hazards
- Sun exposure and heat
- Dehydration risk
- Open edges near Painted Desert rim
- Hazard Details
- Arizona grassland offers zero natural shade. Full sun exposure increases heat stress; dehydration can onset quickly. The trail runs near the Painted Desert rim with open edges—stay on marked path.
- Crowd Level
- Moderate; popular with families and visitors using the Visitor Center.
- Peak Crowd Times
- Mid-morning (9 AM–12 PM) during peak season (March–May, September–October).
- Best Season
- March–May and September–November for comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat.
- Best Time To Visit
- Arrive by 8 AM to beat the Arizona heat. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer stable conditions. Sunset visits are tactical for photographers chasing light on the Painted Desert.
- Tips Advice
- Sunscreen is mandatory—there's zero shade on this grassland.
- Bring at least 1 liter of water per person; the desert dries you out fast.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Solid footwear recommended even for kids on the groomed surface.
- Two trailheads available: start at Tawa Point for slightly better grades, or use Painted Desert Visitor Center for facilities access.
More details
- Park Area
- North Entrance Area
- Trail Markers
- Well-marked groomed path with benches and kiosks at both trailheads.
- Shade Level
- Full sun; no shade available. Open grassland.
- Emergency Contacts
- Petrified Forest National Park Ranger: Call the Visitor Center or use trail emergency markers.
- Map Recommended
- 0
- Snow Dates
- Rare but possible in winter (December–February). Most years snow is minimal.
- Mud Season
- Not typical for this desert trail. Post-rain drainage is quick on groomed surface.
- Fall Colors Peak
- N/A (grassland, not forested)
- Insider Tips
- The Visitor Center lot fills mid-morning; park by 8 AM or after 3 PM.
- Walk counterclockwise from Visitor Center for better Painted Desert angles.
- The gentle grade feels effortless—most hikers finish ahead of schedule; use extra time for photos.
- Sunset visits require coordinating with park hours; confirm closing time at the gate.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Excellent for kids and families. Flat, smooth surface requires no scrambling. Benches allow rest stops. Short distance keeps young walkers engaged without fatigue. Stroller-friendly on groomed path.
- Nearby Facilities
- Painted Desert Visitor Center (at trailhead) offers restrooms, water, information displays, and souvenir shop. Nearest lodging is Holbrook, AZ (30 miles).
- Review Summary
- Hikers praise this trail for accessibility and views. Families appreciate the short distance and flat surface. The main objection: full sun intensity—bring water and sunscreen. Most complete the hike in under an hour and rate it highly for effort-to-reward ratio.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this trail if I'm not very fit?
Yes. It's 1.2 miles with 81 feet of gain—nearly flat. You'll finish in 30–45 minutes. Bring water and sunscreen; the only challenge is heat management, not fitness.
Is this trail safe for kids?
Yes. Groomed surface, benches for rest, and Visitor Center facilities are steps away. Stay alert near the rim edge; it's low-risk for supervised kids but keep them on trail.
Do I need trekking poles?
No. The groomed surface is stable enough for standard hiking shoes. Poles help prevent fatigue on long walks, but not necessary for 1.2 miles.
Can I bring my dog?
Unknown. Check with Petrified Forest regulations at the Visitor Center or call ahead. Leash laws are typical in national parks.
Is there shade anywhere?
No. Full sun the entire route. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and 1+ liters of water. The benches offer only rest, not shade.
What if I get tired halfway?
Turn around and walk back. You're never more than 0.6 miles from a trailhead. The gentle grade means even tired hikers move safely.
More at Petrified Forest National Park
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.
Long Logs Trail
Easy petrified wood loop, 1.6 miles with paved start. Full desert sun—hydration mandatory, even for short hikes.
Recommended gear for Petrified Forest National Park
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Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.