Onyx Bridge Trail

Get a taste of everything that makes Petrified Forest National Park special on the Onyx Bridge Trail, a great hike to try if you want to see the ancient fossilized petrified wood that gives the park its name. In addition to the fossils, you’ll explore mesas, hoodoos, riverbeds, and the unusual desert landscape that makes this park so fascinating.

This hike does present some navigational challenges. Download your GPS route ahead of time to help you find your way. If you’re hiking here in the summertime, ensure you have water and sun protection with you. As mentioned, it’s extremely important that you leave each and every fossil as it is. Moving, lifting, or taking petrified wood with you is illegal and you can be prosecuted for it. Should you see anyone attempting to take fossils, contact the park rangers at 928-524-6228.

From the trailhead near the inn (which is actually a museum, not an inn), take the trail that switchbacks down the mesa. The route heads away from the mesa before splitting into a long counterclockwise loop. The route isn’t always well-defined. In fact, it’s more of a make-your-own-trail experience than anything, so refer to your GPS if you’re unsure of the way.