Blue Mesa Trailhead

Blue Mesa is an incredibly striking trail in Petrified National Park, with surreal, otherworldly landscapes that feel almost unreal. The colors and formations are stunning, and it’s fascinating to see pieces of petrified wood scattered right along the trail, making the entire walk feel like stepping into a natural museum.

Blue Mesa is one of the most visually striking areas in Petrified Forest National Park, known for its unique blue, purple, and gray badlands that look completely different from the rest of the park. The colors and formations here feel almost otherworldly, and this area is a must-visit if you want to see the park’s most distinctive landscape. You can experience Blue Mesa either by driving the loop road for scenic views from above or by walking the short Blue Mesa Trail, which allows you to get closer to the formations. The trail is relatively short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors, though the path is unpaved and can feel a bit steep in sections. This area is excellent for photography, especially when the light brings out the contrast in the layered hills and textures. Overall, Blue Mesa is a highlight of Petrified Forest National Park and perfectly showcases why the park is considered one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S.

We stopped at one of the first pull outs on the way to the trailhead. The scattering of petrified wood was a delight to see and to ponder if there were more specimens buried down under our feel. The trail down is accessible but steep in some places. Bring water. The formations are delightful.

Excellent trail! Must visit! Can get very windy.

This is a very nice loop hike amongst the otherworldly claystone hills of the Painted Desert Formation.