Exploring Petrified Forest National Park, El Malpais National Monument, & El Morro National Monument
Discover ancient landscapes, volcanic wonders, and historic inscriptions at Petrified Forest National Park, and El Malpais and El Morro National Monument on this three-day remote adventure through Arizona and New Mexico.
Day 1
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Discovering Petrified Forest National Park
Introduce yourself to the Painted Desert
Begin your adventure at the Painted Desert Visitor Center to get maps and learn about this unique landscape. Then, take in the colorful badlands of the Painted Desert as you drive along the park’s main road, stopping at overlooks like Tawa Point and Kachina Point for sweeping views.
Hike the Badlands
Hike the Blue Mesa Trail (1-mile loop) to see stunning badlands, blue-tinted clay hills, and petrified logs scattered across the terrain. See more petrified trees on the short Crystal Forest Trail (0.75 mile loop) and the Giant Logs Trail (0.4 mile loop) Wrap up the day with sunset views.
Day 2
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More Geologic Wonders
Hike the Long Logs & Agate House Trail
Start your morning with a 2.6-mile hike to see some of the most colorful petrified wood. Don’t miss the reconstructed Agate House, a unique ancient pueblo made from petrified wood.
El Malpais National Monument
Drive to El Malpais National Monument to explore the ancient dramatic volcanic terrain. Don’t miss the lava flows on the 1-mile Lava Falls Trail. The El Calderon trail (4.8 miles) provides views of the oldest lava flows in the park, and extinct cinder cone volcanoes. If visiting during a summer evening, watch Mexican free-tailed bats fly out of Bat Cave a mile into the trail.
Day 3
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El Morro Adventures
Visit La Ventana Arch
Spend your last morning at one of New Mexico’s largest natural rock arches for a quick but scenic stop before heading to El Morro National Monument.
Delve into history
Start your visit at El Morro by learning about Indigenous history at the visitor center’s park film and exhibits. Then hike the 2-mile Headland Trail to the top of the bluff. Hike past Inscription Rock, where you can see centuries-old carvings made by many, including Indigenous peoples, Spanish missionaries, and American settlers.
El Morro
The Point
Devil's Playground
Lava tube
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Optional add-on
Caving
If you have extra time, visit the privately owned Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano site, where you can see a volcanic crater and a cave filled with natural ice year-round. For the prepared and experienced adventurer, El Morro allows for exploration of lava tubes and caves with a free permit – just make sure to check road conditions and pack headlamps. Or explore the Four Windows Cave at El Malpais National Monument.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Check visitor center hours, trail conditions, and road closures before your trip. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for exploring caves.
Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially when hiking in desert and volcanic terrain.
Check the time
Petrified Forest National Park and El Morro National Monument only allow visitors to hike during certain hours. Call the park visitor center for details, and remember this trip takes place in two time zones.
Leave no trace
These sites are sacred to many Indigenous communities, including the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Acoma, and Pueblo, among others. Stay on designated trails, and don’t remove petrified wood or cultural artifacts.
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