9Painted Desert Wilderness Hike, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
The Painted Desert is officially a part of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. This moderately difficult backcountry hike begins at the historic Painted Desert Inn. There’s not exactly a clear official trail here but give yourself at least an hour to complete an out-and-back hike of at least two miles through the largely pristine wilderness of a petrified forest. You can camp here with a free permit.
(Continued on next page)
