The Painted Desert is on the northern end of Petrified Forest National Park. It has a beautiful array of colors from deep purple to verdant green, from dark rusty red to pale pink. The Painted Desert seems to go on for miles and miles into the flat Arizona landscape.
You can walk along the edge of the Painted Desert for half a mile between viewpoints by using the Painted Desert Rim Trail. The trail starts at Tawa Point and runs to Kachina Point. It is flat and easy and gives great views of the vastness of this colorful area.
The hike can be done as a shuttle if you have someone to move the car from one viewpoint to the next. If you don’t you’ll have to do a full mile and walk back the way you came.
We liked this hike because it is a great introduction to the park as you come in the north entrance. It is located near the Visitor Center and provides a much different view of the park than the jaunts through petrified forests in the south end of the park. There are informational signs along the trail about the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest.
If you’re looking for something a little different in Petrified Forest National Park, try the Painted Desert Rim Trail. It’s just right for everyone. Check out our list of other family friendly hikes in Petrified Forest.
