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Onyx Bridge - 16 members in 45 triplogs have rated this an average 4.2 ( 1 to 5 best )
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45 triplogs
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Apr 30 2025
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 Guides 16
 Routes 81
 Photos 1,269
 Triplogs 1,144

51 male
 Joined Apr 30 2008
 Tucson, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 30 2025
azdesertfatherTriplogs 1,144
Hiking4.35 Miles 450 AEG
Hiking4.35 Miles   1 Hour   48 Mns   2.53 mph
450 ft AEG      5 Mns Break1 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
From the inn to the bridge and back.
_____________________
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." — Henry David Thoreau
 
Feb 09 2025
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Petrified Forest Wilderness LoopNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 09 2025
ShatteredArmTriplogs 356
Hiking8.10 Miles 892 AEG
Hiking8.10 Miles   3 Hrs   4 Mns   2.88 mph
892 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
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Was back up in the Pinetop area in winter, so it seemed like a good opportunity to go explore a little more of PFNP. I decided to do the Wilderness Loop, with some possible add-ons later if I felt good. A little chilly at the start, but I figured it would be a nice day out there. Stopped into the Painted Desert Inn to check it out, and also grabbed a copy of the Wilderness Loop pamphlet. The drop down the switchbacks was easy going, and the first mile through the badlands was nice.

After that, it was just trying to follow the NPS guide pamphlet instructions, as I didn't bring a GPS track, which turned out to be straightforward in some places, but confusing in one particular stretch. Getting to the Angel's Garden was pretty simple, and that was probably my favorite part of the loop. Nice views and lots of huge petrified logs.

After that, the guide became pretty ambiguous, and I ended up having to backtrack a couple times. Once I got to Chalcedony Forest, it became a lot more obvious where to go, and also a lot more boring. I jogged a little bit of the NE corner of the loop, while trying to go in as straight a line as possible.

Got to Lithodendron Wash, and decided I may as well add on Onyx Bridge since it's right there. I went up a couple of wrong side drainages, but it was fun seeing where everything dead-ends. The spot where the bridge was is pretty nice.

Once I got back to the trail section, I started running into hikers, some of whom had dogs. Didn't realize PFNP is so dog friendly.
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Sep 25 2024
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 Triplogs 71

male
 Joined Jan 23 2025
 Seattle, WA
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2024
dhelderTriplogs 71
Hiking4.40 Miles 426 AEG
Hiking4.40 Miles
426 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
 
Jan 14 2024
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 Guides 3
 Routes 632
 Photos 8,235
 Triplogs 604

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 14 2024
ddgrunningTriplogs 604
Hiking4.49 Miles 511 AEG
Hiking4.49 Miles   2 Hrs   17 Mns   2.00 mph
511 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Nice adventure from the Painted Desert Inn. We hit the trail early in the morning, which was helpful as the ground was still frozen and helped us to avoid some of the mud.

The trail is more of a route, and once you get down the switchback, there is a little bit of choose your own adventure.

The Onyx Bridge has collapsed, but still pretty cool. That said, the adventure of the journey was the most enjoyable.
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Jun 02 2023
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 Guides 41
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 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Petrified Forest National Park - Day 1, AZ 
Petrified Forest National Park - Day 1, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 02 2023
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking6.75 Miles 841 AEG
Hiking6.75 Miles   2 Hrs   34 Mns   2.72 mph
841 ft AEG      5 Mns Break40 LBS Pack
 
Partners partners
johnlp
trekkin_gecko
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We arrived at the Petrified Forest National Park around 2:30 and picked up our free backpacking permit. Backpackers are supposed to leave to the Kachina Pont area no later than 4:30. We decided to hit a couple of short hikes up top prior to dropping off the rim.

Blue Mesa Trail
1.1 Miles - 140' AEG
Shows off some of the colors in the park

Puerco Pueblo
.40 miles - 30' AEG
The paved path takes you by a Kiva and some nice Petroglyphs

Painted Desert Rim Trail
1.25 Miles - 100' AEG
Nice overview of the north end of the park

Onyx Bridge to camp
4.0 miles - 175' AEG
After hiking in the required 1 mile, we stashed our Backpacks, grabbed some liquid and made our way over to the Onyx "used to be a" Bridge. It was cool for a first day hike, but there was plenty more cool stuff to come. We made our way back to our packs and found a suitable campsite for a few nights.

Meals, jabbering, beverages, star gazing through the full moon and then an early bed (for me).
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jun 02 2023
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Petrified Forest National Park - Day 1, AZ 
Petrified Forest National Park - Day 1, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 02 2023
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking6.75 Miles 841 AEG
Hiking6.75 Miles
841 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners partners
johnlp
The_Eagle
two night trip with john and bruce to petrified forest
we arrived in the park mid afternoon
got our backpacking permit and had a couple hours to do some short hikes before we were supposed to depart from kachina point:
blue mesa trail, puerco pueblo, desert rim trail
hiked down from kachina point to the required mile away and dropped our backpacks
continued to onyx bridge and returned to set up camp
had some dinner and enjoyed the solitude
a few showers in the area, but we just got a few sprinkles
an almost full moon provided plenty of light
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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hazhole
 
Jun 02 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Petrified Forest National Park - Day 1, AZ 
Petrified Forest National Park - Day 1, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 02 2023
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking6.75 Miles 841 AEG
Hiking6.75 Miles   2 Hrs   34 Mns   2.72 mph
841 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners partners
The_Eagle
trekkin_gecko
First day of a much anticipated return to Petrified Forest National Park. We hit a few spots before backpacking to our campsite for two nights. We then did an evening hike to Onyx Bridge. Good first day. :)
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Campsite
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Petrified Forest National Park
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Apr 08 2022
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2022
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking5.59 Miles 529 AEG
Hiking5.59 Miles   2 Hrs   27 Mns   2.45 mph
529 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
LindaAnn
Cool hike . You lose your elevation in the beginning so you will have a little climb at the finish. Not to far into the hike Linda pointed out a couple partial walls from an old bridge.From there it’s pretty flat until you close in on the Onyx bridge. Then up a little draw between some small hills. Cool tree. I think I enjoyed the added forest “ side trip more and the trees before the bridge. Really like the petrified trees in this area and it would be fun to do some more exploring!! The hike back went good and the climb out wasn’t horrible. Enjoyable start to our visit to PFNP! Thanks Linda, like HAZ, you rock!!
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Apr 08 2022
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2022
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.59 Miles 529 AEG
Hiking5.59 Miles   2 Hrs   27 Mns   2.45 mph
529 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Tortoise_Hiker
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
First hike of the day. We got to the park as the gates opened and got started from the Painted Desert Inn a few minutes later. Quick descent off the rim, then some easy walking north, mostly in washes, as we made our way to Onyx Not-a-Bridge. I guess gravity finally won in Dec 2020. Still impressive to see. And it was fun hiking through the final wash up to the bridge.

Since we made good time, we hiked over to Lithodendron Forest not too far away--more wash walking. Nice area with a lot of wood. The petrified wood in this northern area of the park looks more like recently fallen trees than the more colorful wood in the more southern areas of the park. Putting your hand on the wood is kind of surprise as you're expecting to feel somewhat soft bark and it's really just a cold, hard rock.

On our way back, we cut cross country a bit, shaving off some distance before getting back onto the more established route and then back up the short, steep climb to the rim. Good hike to start out the day, and the cooler temps were nice.
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Petrified Wood
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Oct 24 2020
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 Guides 2
 Routes 25
 Photos 1,890
 Triplogs 604

41 male
 Joined Sep 13 2009
 Mesa, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 24 2020
jochalTriplogs 604
Hiking5.00 Miles 426 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
426 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Used the very nice color NPS printout as a guide. The guide differs from the official HAZ route by cutting off the long stretch in Lithodendron Wash. Made a wrong turn and kept following an unnamed wash, which took us up the escarpment earlier than the guide directed, so we actually came at the bridge from above.

Quite a few groups headed out while we were returning.

Nice to finally do this one. The park is advertising "off the beaten path" hikes, and I'm hoping to do some more of those in the future.
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  2 archives
May 19 2018
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Backpack avatar May 19 2018
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Backpack4.83 Miles 487 AEG
Backpack4.83 Miles1 Day         
487 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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johnlp
john and i thought it would be fun to combine this hike with an overnight backpack along the way
got our permit at the visitor center, where they informed us that we had to be on our way by four
what? :o we decided 4:45 would be close enough
currently the park closes at five due to budget constraints, and they want you out of the painted desert inn parking area by then
i found nothing in the park information stating this, only that you had to get your permit an hour before the visitor center closed
didn't spend as much time as we wanted on our first two little hikes, but got up to painted desert inn and had some dinner in the parking lot
rangers came around and checked our permit and we set out soon after
once a mile away from the inn, we dropped our packs and continued to onyx bridge
easy walking in washes and along a pretty well defined trail much of the way
even a cairn to mark the wash exit
took a couple of wrong turns while not watching the track, but those drainages were well worth exploring
found the big log and wandered around a bit
pretty terrain with plenty of larger petrified wood stumps scattered around
a fun destination
eventually went back to our campsite and set up
nice night although quite windy for a couple hours
almost like a nighttime cooling/downslope effect
brilliant star viewing even with a quarter moon
hiked out in the morning and had coffee and breakfast on the painted desert inn patio
there were a few other parties camping, some clearly not a mile away - the rangers must not check
fun experience and a nice hike
glad we did it that way
never hurts to practice backpacking :)
_____________________
hazhole
  2 archives
May 19 2018
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Backpack avatar May 19 2018
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Backpack4.83 Miles 487 AEG
Backpack4.83 Miles1 Day         
487 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Onyx Bridge was our final hike of the day. We backpacked in the one mile minimum, hid our packs, and continued on. Most of the hike is easy going through a big wash. Lots of petrified wood near the bridge. Fun little hike. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Apr 01 2018
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 01 2018
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking7.14 Miles 805 AEG
Hiking7.14 Miles   3 Hrs   7 Mns   2.30 mph
805 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Another new one for me! I hit up Petrified Forest National Park for the first time and decided to venture into the wilderness. I really like that this park has no trails and actually encourages wilderness hikers to explore wherever they want. I had marked a couple of spots on the map and connected the dots while just meandering from one scenic spot to another. The day started cloudy, which made the temperature pleasant, but the colors a little bit flat. Eventually the sun came out adding the contrast of blue sky to the landscape, but also a little bit of heat to the hike. I appreciated that no other visitors venture off the paved trail here. I was constantly in awe at the surreal, unearthly sights and geologic marvels around every corner.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Onyx Bridge
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Jan 08 2018
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 Photos 26
 Triplogs 10

57 male
 Joined Oct 12 2013
 Flagstaff, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Backpack avatar Jan 08 2018
BoothroydTriplogs 10
Backpack7.30 Miles 426 AEG
Backpack7.30 Miles   4 Hrs   29 Mns   1.63 mph
426 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
After reading the various triplogs and picture sets describing this hike, I decided to give it a try as a quick over-nighter. I basically just followed the official route, with some forays into various gullies and such, taking in the scenery and the great January weather. It has been historically dry this year, and I timed it just right with regard to the first and only big precipitation event of the season (so far), returning to Flagstaff just in time to catch a few miles of snowshoeing. Contrary to PaleoRob's description, dogs are allowed into the back country in Petrified Forest NP, and I took mine along. This is a rarity in national parks and monuments so, if you decide to take your dogs, please follow the rules and keep the option available for future use. I found the Onyx Bridge easily by following the route/directions given, and also found the other one as indicated by my Garmin GPS, which is apparently not even a bridge -- but an impressive chunk of petrified wood in it's own right. Didn't spend much time looking for rock art, but with such a diversity of places to explore, expect to see some on future trips. I did, however, find an interesting gully containing a stacked rock feature that I speculated may have been a dam of some sort. Incidentally, I was able to score a rare permit into The Devil's Playground for the previous night, and would recommend that hike as well. It is truly an otherworldly landscape, and being limited to 3 permits per week, on a first come first served basis, doesn't see nearly as much human impact as other areas in the park. I really look forward to spending more time in PEFO, and thanks to the previous triplogs for convincing me to give it a try.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation None
There were a few dried out flowers on the rabbit brush, otherwise nada.
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  1 archive
Mar 09 2017
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 Routes 10
 Photos 7
 Triplogs 13

36 male
 Joined Sep 25 2014
 Tempe, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Backpack avatar Mar 09 2017
paco14Triplogs 13
Backpack10.27 Miles 906 AEG
Backpack10.27 Miles   20 Hrs   49 Mns   0.49 mph
906 ft AEG40 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
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Gorgeous day/night backpacking in PeFo wilderness with April. After spending the day cruising through the park we left from Painted Desert Inn in the late afternoon. Followed the wash around to the large flat where we dropped our bags, then headed up the ravine to watch the sunset over Onyx bridge. Camped about a quarter mile away. Probably got down to around freezing overnight, but we brought all the warm clothes we could carry. Next morning we just dayhiked from there, ending up at a really huge petrified log and an interesting white-capped hill that may or may not have been labeled "the Monument" on the trailhead map. Saw a pronghorn? way off in the distance. Then we turned around, picked up our stuff, and walked straight towards the always-visible PDI. This place is absolutely crazy. Moonscaped desert, weird logs, complete solitude. Love it.
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Apr 20 2016
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 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,238

77 male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Blue Mesa TrailNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 20 2016
Sun_RayTriplogs 1,238
Hiking4.00 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles
500 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Finally toured the park after driving by many times. Glad we planned a 2 day, one night trip with the overnight in Winslow at the La Posada Hotel. After a stop in Sedona we traveled Hwy 40 to exit 311 that takes you into the North part of the park. This area has a half dozen viewpoints of the painted desert. We always watch the film a the visitor's center! The next day we entered the park off US 180 and drove about 10 miles to Blue Mesa area so we could beat the crowd. If you only have time for one stop this is it. It as about a mile paved path in a loop with beautiful 'blue' rock formations. Then traveled south back toward visitors center stopping at Jasper Forest, Agate bride, Crystal Forest...another path walk.
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
 
Mar 12 2016
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 Guides 110
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 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 12 2016
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking0.44 Miles 202 AEG
Hiking0.44 Miles      40 Mns   0.71 mph
202 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
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realm09
watermelonW
Did the first quarter mile or so of the Onyx Bridge Trail, basically just down from the Inn to where the trail leveled out at the bottom, got some pictures, then back up. Another one I plan to return to and complete in its entirety.
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Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
May 04 2015
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 Guides 2
 Routes 6
 Photos 1,167
 Triplogs 298

43 male
 Joined Nov 12 2013
 Phoenix, AZ
Petrified Forest NP, AZ 
Petrified Forest NP, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 04 2015
winotronTriplogs 298
Hiking4.00 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles
500 ft AEG2 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
My girlfriend and I stayed the weekend in Pine, intending to take our first trip to Fossil Creek this day, but with a thunderstorm in the forecast, and the fact that it was already raining when we got up, we had to change our plans. We wanted to go somewhere we'd never been before, so we decided to check out the Petrified Forest. Random, I know, considering this is a good 2 hr drive from Pine, but I'm really glad we went. I didn't know much about what to expect from this place, but it was awesome! Didn't realize how big this place is and how much there is to see.

We came in from the south entrance. There were a lot of tourists but it didn't seem especially crowded, since it was a Monday. It was mostly clear when we got there, but we could see a big storm coming in from the south, and soon enough started hearing the thunder. We stopped at pretty much all of the major spots along the way through the park, and hiked all the short trails. The storm was getting closer and closer, and it started lightly raining on us on the Crystal Forest Loop.

By the time we got to the Jasper Forest overlook it started pouring on us, and the thunder was crashing right overhead. We had to get back in the car and wait it out for 20 minutes or so. Once the rain slowed down we continued up the road to the Agate Bridge. That was definitely a cool spot. With all the rain there was water flowing and actually a waterfall under the bridge. There was water flowing all over the park actually, which I'm sure was a sharp contrast to how this park normally looks.

We kept going up to Blue Mesa and that was probably my favorite spot of the day. The Blue Mesa Trail was a great, short hike. It was cool being able to actually go down into the little canyon. Like a lunar landscape down there. There were little streams of milky water flowing all over the place. Pretty much no one else down there with us.

Unfortunately we had to rush a bit by the time we got to Puerco Pueblo. It was already after 4pm and we had a 4 hr drive back home to Phoenix ahead of us. We still had time to stop at a couple of the Painted Desert vistas though. Beautiful. I would love to come back here again with more time for hiking. We stopped at the Falcon Cafe in Winslow for dinner on the way home. We'll never stop there again...
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Newspaper Rock
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Great wildflower show, which I wasn't expecting. Blankets of flowers all over the place.
_____________________
 
Sep 27 2014
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 Guides 71
 Routes 98
 Photos 9,967
 Triplogs 1,009

65 male
 Joined May 14 2003
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Return of the Painted Desert Rendezvous, AZ 
Return of the Painted Desert Rendezvous, AZ
 
Backpack avatar Sep 27 2014
Randal_SchulhauserTriplogs 1,009
Backpack15.16 Miles 1,060 AEG
Backpack15.16 Miles2 Days         
1,060 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Partners partners
HAZ - Event
PaleoRob
PEFO Pilot Rock Adventure 2014 - "Return of the Painted Desert Rendezvous"
[ Return of the Painted Desert Rendezvous ]

Rob del Desierto and I had talked about a PEFO wilderness backpack for some time and agreed that late September would be a great time to target an ascent of the PEFO high point, Pilot Rock :next: [ Pilot Rock Summit ]

As the date approached for the wilderness adventure, some crazy weather starting showing up in the forecast. This served as the primary filter whittling the original 19 committed/interested group of HAZers down to two! Rob and I had exchanged emails indicating both of us were committed no matter what Mother Nature wanted to throw at us - we had plenty of back up plans including;

1. Onyx Bridge :next: [ Onyx Bridge ]
2. Puerco Pueblo and nearby rock art :next: [ Puerco Pueblo ]
3. PEFO Ranger selections from NPS site :next: https://www.nps.gov/pefo/off-the-beaten-path.htm (Devil's Playground?)
4. Rock Art Ranch :next: [ Rock Art Ranch ]
5. Grand Falls :next: [ Grand Falls ]

Rob arrived at my Ahwatukee home mid-afternoon and mid-dust storm we were on our way to Holbrook. We were treated to a great light show along the I-40 between Flagstaff and Holbrook. Once checked into our Holbrook Best Western base camp, we broke out the BBQ to grill up some choice steaks and corn-on-the-cob. We were soon joined by a lost beagle. Toko was her name per the engraved heart dangling from her collar. A phone number was also engraved on the heart. We called the surprised owner who promptly sent her brother over to Room 115 to collect the grateful beagle (grateful for the steak samples that is).

Saturday dawn broke with some surprisingly clear skies and a forecast for heavy showers beginning mid-morning.

We forced down some of the Best Western breakfast buffet (the self-made waffle with fresh fruit gets the only passing marks) while sitting amongst all the French tourists. Loaded up the F-150 and headed to PEFO about 20 miles east along the I-40 from Holbrook. We made a slight detour along the way, checking out the flooded Lithodendron Wash. Having explored this rare sight, we made our way over to the park entrance. I had my NPS annual pass ready, but we were being waved through by the Ranger indicating it was one of the "free entrance fee" days at the National Parks - enjoy!

We pulled up to Painted Desert Inn ready to explore the PEFO Black Forest and Quest for Onyx Bridge, but needed to alter plans. I had a chance to explore some parts of Mary Colter's renovation of the Painted Desert Inn :next: https://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/ ... b-2013.pdf and Painted Desert Rim Trail :next: [ Painted Desert Rim Trail ] while Rob took care of business from afar.

We continued our PEFO hiking flexibility by heading over to Puerco Pueblo and exploring the petroglyphs along the west service road heading towards Newspaper Rock.

Our afternoon featured a surprisingly dry and mud-free trek towards Onyx Bridge and some preliminary route finding towards Pilot Rock. Thanks Rob for pointing out the rock art panels and dinosaur fossils along the route.

We wrapped up with a late afternoon BBQ of some brats n beer at the Chinde Point picnic table area :next: https://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/ ... _large.pdf before hitting the road back to the PHX area. I think I've got Rob convinced that all Country & Western tunes must contain one of the three main theme items;
1. Girls/Women
2. Alcohol
3. Trucks
Truly visionary Country & Western tunes contain all three main theme items...

Fitbit totals; 15.16 miles and 1060 AEG

Photos to follow (when I get the chance)...

PS. Post hike, we obtained an NPS brochure for Onyx Bridge :next: https://www.nps.gov/pefo/upload/Onyx-Bridge-Hike-2.pdf (includes GPS coordinates for bridge - feeling foolish thwarted again?)

PPS. Rob and I agree that a Spring Redux is mandatory to conquer Pilot Rock and the ever elusive, Onyx Bridge. :)
_____________________
  2 archives
Apr 26 2014
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 Routes 1
 Photos 2,050
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46 male
 Joined Sep 16 2011
 Phoenix
Onyx BridgeNortheast, AZ
Northeast, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 26 2014
VolcanoCLMBRTriplogs 425
Hiking7.10 Miles 485 AEG
Hiking7.10 Miles   6 Hrs      1.18 mph
485 ft AEG35 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Lucyan
I had never given it much thought to go explore the Petrified Forest NP but after this weekend i was completely amazed by the place. Who knew walking around petrified wood would be so much entertaining?
Our original plan had us taking off from Kachina point TH (Painted Desert Inn) and head over to Onyx bridge and then onto Pilot rock. We did go to Onyx bridge but the weather started to take a turn for the worse as we started making our way farther into the wilderness. 50+ MPH winds and blowing dust were okay to deal with but as soon as the rain started we were forced to find a flat area in which to take shelter from it and the rain then turned into sleet and then snow. It was amazing to witness a complete transformation of the painted desert from dry arid land to red creek water mixed with snow on the ground. The wind never really let down the entire day. Our plan was to stay overnight in the park but the strong winds and wet conditions broke our friend's tarp tent, after the snow stopped we made the decision to head back out in the mud because we knew it was going to be a cold and windy night and didnt want to expose our friend to a cold night (we didnt have room in the three other tents to have him spend the night).
It was pure joy to see this normally bone dry area filled with red water, dark cumulous clouds and some short lived snow. I definitely want to go back to this place soon. It is amazing to me not many more people dont visit this gem in NE Arizona.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Campsite
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Snow
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The world is my playground!
 
average hiking speed 2 mph
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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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