Coyote Ridge to Petrified Forest Backcountry — Painted Desert Rim Road via Blue Mesa
Ancient logs and alien badlands, no pavement.
Most visitors roll through Petrified Forest on the paved loop and call it done. The backcountry road tells a different story. Dropping off the main corridor near Kachina Point, the route threads south through the Painted Desert Wilderness edge, crosses the flats above Lithodendron Wash, and descends to Blue Mesa where the bentonite badlands glow violet and blue in the afternoon light. The two-track is unmaintained, unsigned in places, and crosses a landscape that looks more like another planet than Arizona. Keep your bearing on the mesa edge and watch for the log jams of 225-million-year-old petrified wood half-buried in the clay — you’re not allowed to touch them, but you sure can stop and stare.
This route requires high clearance minimum; the bentonite clay turns to axle-deep grease after any rain, so dry conditions are non-negotiable. A stock 4WD handles it in good weather, but aired-down tires help on the loose wash crossings. Permits are required for backcountry camping — a free overnight permit from the visitor center. No water in the backcountry. Fuel in Holbrook or Gallup. Best season is March through May and September through November. What you get out here is genuine solitude in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is rarer than the fossils themselves.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5785 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Holbrook, AZ |
| Land manager | Petrified Forest National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | NPS Backcountry Info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle like a 4Runner, Wrangler, or Tacoma is the minimum and will get you through. The terrain is sandy, rutted two-track badlands, not technical rock crawling, so lift and lockers aren't required.
When is this trail closed or impassable?
Summer (June–August) is brutal with flash flood risk and 100°F+ temps that make the clay and sand unpredictable. Winter sees occasional snow and freezing mud that turns the bentonite clay into a skating rink — NPS can close the backcountry without notice. Stick to March–May or September–November.
Do you need a permit to drive this backcountry route?
Yes. A free backcountry permit is required and must be obtained in person at the Painted Desert Visitor Center before entering — you cannot get one online or in advance. Park entry fees also apply ($25/vehicle as of 2024), so factor that into your budget.
What's the hardest section and what should I be ready for?
The Blue Mesa bentonite clay sections are the biggest trap — they look driveable and turn into axle-deep grease after any moisture. If recent rain has hit the area, do not attempt it. Dry conditions make it moderate; wet conditions make it a recovery situation with no cell service and limited traffic.
Is there water available on this route, and how far is the nearest gas?
There is zero water on the trail — carry a minimum of 4 liters per person per day plus extra for your radiator. Holbrook, AZ is the nearest town with gas and services, roughly 30 miles west of the park entrance on I-40.
Trail track
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