The Painted Desert is a vast badlands desert that provides a unique opportunity to see some of the amazing geology of the area. The layered rock will even change color depending on the time of day and sunlight. Visiting in the morning may give you an entirely different experience than visiting at sunset. The Painted Desert Rim Trail is about a mile long and will take you along the rim where you can get different views of the badlands. There are also stops where you can learn more about the desert. You can find the Tawa Point or Kachina Point Trailheads to access the trail.

For a short hike descending into the badlands, try to Blue Mesa Trail. At only about a mile long, you’ll get an up-close look at the layers that make up the clay hills. You’ll also find pieces of petrified wood scattered about the area. The trail is partially paved and suitable for all skills levels. It’s also very popular and you’re likely to encounter other hikers. Find the Blue Mesa sun shelter and you can start the trail from there.

On this trail you’ll find plenty of the park’s petrified wood, for which the park is named. There’s an easy mile trail that will take you through a field where the crystals are scattered about. The trail is easy and suitable for any skill level. Note that it is illegal to remove any of the petrified wood, so be sure to take nothing but photographs. Go to the crystal forest parking area to access the trail.