Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area is a designated wilderness area encompassing approximately one-third of Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. This landscape is characterized by semi-desert shrub steppe and highly eroded, colorful badlands, featuring dramatic geological formations. The terrain includes mesas, buttes, and extensive deposits of petrified wood, offering a unique environment for several sports like hiking. This wilderness area provides opportunities to explore a surreal landscape shaped over millions of years.
13
Routes
4.5
(27)
Average rating
377
People visited

5.0
(2)
4
hikers
2.63km
00:42
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
1.21km
00:19
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

50.8km
13:13
280m
420m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.41km
01:26
60m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area is a designated wilderness area within Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. It encompasses approximately one-third of the national park, covering about 50,260 acres. The area is characterized by semi-desert shrub steppe and highly eroded, colorful badlands, featuring dramatic geological formations.
The primary outdoor activity available in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area is hiking. The area offers opportunities to explore a landscape rich with ancient petrified wood and vibrant badlands. Komoot lists 1 route for hiking in this wilderness area.
Yes, hiking trails are available in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. The wilderness area provides diverse hiking experiences, from accessible loops to more extensive backcountry routes. Information on hiking can be found in the guide Hiking in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area.
Yes, the area offers options for easy hikes. These trails allow visitors to experience the unique geological features without extensive effort. A guide for less strenuous options is available: Easy hikes in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area.
The wilderness area is known for its extensive deposits of petrified wood, ancient trees transformed into colorful quartz. It also features the Painted Desert, where sedimentary rock formations display vibrant hues. Hikers can observe badlands, mesas, buttes, and unusual geological features like hoodoos.
Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area contains significant archaeological sites. These include Puerco Pueblo, a 100-room compound occupied by Ancestral Puebloan people. Another notable site is Agate House, an 8-room pueblo constructed from petrified wood between 1050 and 1300.
Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area has been explored by more than 700 visitors on komoot. The routes in the area have received an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars. This indicates a positive reception from the komoot community.
Komoot offers several guides for Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. These include Hiking in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area and Easy hikes in Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. These guides provide detailed information for planning outdoor activities.
The official website for Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area, which is part of Petrified Forest National Park, is provided by the U.S. National Park Service. The website can be accessed at https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm.
For inquiries regarding Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area, which is part of Petrified Forest National Park, contact can be made via phone. The official phone number is +1-928-524-6228. This number connects to the park's main information line.
The landscape of Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area is characterized by a semi-desert shrub steppe environment. It features highly eroded, colorful badlands with dramatic geological formations. The terrain includes mesas, buttes, and extensive deposits of petrified wood.

