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Tawa Trail - 1 member in 1 triplog has rated this an average 2 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Sep 11 2025
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36 male
 Joined Oct 23 2017
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Tawa TrailNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 11 2025
KingLeonidasTriplogs 265
Hiking3.62 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking3.62 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   2.62 mph
300 ft AEG      7 Mns Break30 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The Tawa Trail is a paved trail that runs 1.2 miles one way between Tawa Point and the Painted Desert Visitor Center

Trail Features & Route Description

The trail starts (or ends, depending on direction) at Tawa Point, which is the starting point of the much more interesting Rim Trail.
From Tawa Point, the paved trail traverses through grassland / desert plain, with interpretive signage in places, guiding you towards or away from the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
The views along the trail end at the Painted Desert section. The trail itself doesn't traverse deep badlands it gives distant views of these features. The scenery around the trail itself is unremarkable desert scrub/grassland.

Trail Conditions & Useful Details
Surface is paved and flat making it suitable for families and strollers

General Comments
This trail seems more a route to get park service staff from the visitors center and parking area to the painted desert inn than a route designed for tourists/visitors. Despite this the national park service lists it on the petrified forest website "things to do" section of hikes. Were were not very impressed and would not have bothered with it had we known what it was. Your time and energy are better spent on any one of the other trails in the park.
Because of its location, it’s a great warm‐up or wind‐down hike — either starting your park visit here to acclimate or doing it as you depart, to soak in the landscape one more time.

We also tied in the rim trail which was much better, although we had to backtrack through both to retrieve the car.
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average hiking speed 2.62 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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