Blue Mesa
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- BFRN17Michigan92 contributionsWorth the stop!Justed loved this. It is so different than our mid-west landscape. It was so nice to have full sun and mild temperature in February rather than feet of snow and gray skies. Wonderful short hikes into the interesting landscapes.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 25, 2024
- George APhoenix, Arizona267 contributionsDon't miss this hiking trailThis hiking trial is about a mile off the main road through the park, and not really discussed in the park service guide. But do NOT miss this! This was the best spot in the park. The trail is mosly flat, except for the start where it goes steeply from the parking lot into a little hidden valley amonst conical formations of rock. The trail then makes a circuit among these so you can admire these layered rock formations--and yes they do have a bluish tinge to them. This is so totally unlike any of the other areas of the park and a must-see.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten July 1, 2024
- Jaime FHamilton, Canada55 contributionsStunning coloursBe sure to get out of your car and walk the trail. It’s well worth the steep climb for the up close view of these beautiful mountains. Be aware this is not mobility friendly and small children would find it difficult. Just note you have to be out by 7 so plan accordingly.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten September 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
311 reviews
Excellent
245
Very good
57
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Travel_Addict_Cyprus
Michigan1,263 contributions
Dec 2021
What a place! Like walking on another planet.. This was one of the highlights of our visit, along with the Painted Desert Rim Trail.
We arrived at the North Entrance when the park opened (8am), started with the Painted Desert area and made our way all the way out the South Entrance by about 4:30pm. (Park closes at 5pm).
The Blue Mesa Loop Trail was amazing. Great photo opportunities! The trail is only about a mile long and it is paved.
Highly recommended!
We arrived at the North Entrance when the park opened (8am), started with the Painted Desert area and made our way all the way out the South Entrance by about 4:30pm. (Park closes at 5pm).
The Blue Mesa Loop Trail was amazing. Great photo opportunities! The trail is only about a mile long and it is paved.
Highly recommended!
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisamarie L
Madison, WI926 contributions
Aug 2021
This was one of my favorite places in the Painted Desert and the most unique.
The colors can be either subtle or dramatic depending on the angle of the sun, but unlike the reds/corals/oranges of other parts of the Painted Deserts, the blues, greens, purples and yellows give the landscape an almost alien feel. It is harsh, strange and beautiful.
I wish we could have done one of the longer hikes and really gone down into the hills, but with young kids and seniors it wasn't as feasible. Bring water and shade.
The colors can be either subtle or dramatic depending on the angle of the sun, but unlike the reds/corals/oranges of other parts of the Painted Deserts, the blues, greens, purples and yellows give the landscape an almost alien feel. It is harsh, strange and beautiful.
I wish we could have done one of the longer hikes and really gone down into the hills, but with young kids and seniors it wasn't as feasible. Bring water and shade.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill K
Mantorville, MN6,307 contributions
Jul 2021
The pay off is big if you choose to hike down to this trail. The trail is paved and has informational signs to tell you more about what you are viewing. The colors are gorgeous and the terrain is very unique. I enjoyed this trail a great deal.
There is a pretty steep climb up out of this trail. There were some folks huffing and puffing as they made their way back up. There are places to stop and rest if need be.
There is a pretty steep climb up out of this trail. There were some folks huffing and puffing as they made their way back up. There are places to stop and rest if need be.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay W
Beaver Dam, WI360 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
This trail is paved the entire way. It starts by going downhill, then when you get down to the Mesa you will start on a loop. There is lots of petrified wood around. There are a few signs that offer information about the rock formations around. At the end you go up again back to the parking lot. There is no sign by the road that says “Blue Mesa Trail” so you need to know where you’re going. There is a small wall with a stairway where you park for this trail.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,120 contributions
Oct 2021
The Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest is one of the best ways to see the beautiful blue, pink, gray and purple hills. This trail is a 1 mile paved trail with 108 feet elevation gain. It took us 30 minutes to complete and there is some uphill and downhill. We visited Petrified Forest on Saturday, October 23. If you are up for more adventure and would like a hike with very few people, consider the Historic Blue Forest Trail. You can find this trail on AllTrails. It is 2.6 miles and you can walk up and down the hills with amazing views.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BruinDan
Fullerton, CA3,186 contributions
Mar 2022
Petrified Forest National Park is one of those of those parks where (should you have a limited amount of time) you can see the essentials by traveling along the main park road. My wife and I only had about a half day to visit, so one of the decisions that faced us was whether or not we should venture off the main road to see Blue Mesa. We ended up deciding to do so, and we’re glad we did. You can reach Blue Mesa via a spur road about halfway through the park; it’s about a 5 mi/8 km round trip.
There are several viewpoints along the Blue Mesa loop. Each allows you to see rugged formations mixed in with some petrified wood. There is also a popular hiking trail that originates from one of the viewpoint sun shelters. Are the formations actually blue? Well, some of the badlands have blue and purple bands, but the main point is that they are different in color (and to some extent, terrain) than much of the Painted Desert. Was it worth the detour? We thought so, and would recommend it to others.
There are several viewpoints along the Blue Mesa loop. Each allows you to see rugged formations mixed in with some petrified wood. There is also a popular hiking trail that originates from one of the viewpoint sun shelters. Are the formations actually blue? Well, some of the badlands have blue and purple bands, but the main point is that they are different in color (and to some extent, terrain) than much of the Painted Desert. Was it worth the detour? We thought so, and would recommend it to others.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MemoryMaker5
Ohio1,295 contributions
Mar 2022
I'll just add my sentiments to the others that have said it was their favorite at Petrified Forest National Park. If you have a limited amount of time and are having to pick and choose which things to see....make sure you choose this as one of them.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George A
Phoenix, AZ267 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
This hiking trial is about a mile off the main road through the park, and not really discussed in the park service guide. But do NOT miss this! This was the best spot in the park. The trail is mosly flat, except for the start where it goes steeply from the parking lot into a little hidden valley amonst conical formations of rock. The trail then makes a circuit among these so you can admire these layered rock formations--and yes they do have a bluish tinge to them. This is so totally unlike any of the other areas of the park and a must-see.
Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BFRN17
Michigan92 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Justed loved this. It is so different than our mid-west landscape. It was so nice to have full sun and mild temperature in February rather than feet of snow and gray skies. Wonderful short hikes into the interesting landscapes.
Written February 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLP
New Jersey3,773 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We did not hike the trail. We walked a bit and then turned back because of timing, but I did not have to hike the whole trail to know that this area in the park was an amazing location. The colors and formations can be seen from the road and it is quite a sight to behold. Don’t miss the Blue Mesa when visiting the Petrified Forest National Park
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this a hike someone with a fear of heights could pull off?
Written May 15, 2018
I have a fear of heights and had no problems at all.
Written December 18, 2018
Is the park well attended on holiday weekends? I'd be visiting the park on Memorial Day weekend and don't want to walk the trails alone if they tend to be deserted for long periods.
Written May 9, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Monroe, Connecticut
Taking my 89 year old dad here in the fall. He does golf 2x week, so is in pretty good shape. Would he be able to do this hike?
Written July 2, 2017
There are several points of interest to stop and enjoy and all have short , mostly paved, easy walk paths.
Written September 8, 2017
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