Hike the Crystal Forest Loop
0.75 Miles
Chillin, Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Loop
Petrified wood that has turned into stone and or crystallized.
There really isn't much to this hike beyond exploring all the different types of petrified wood deposits. It's named after the wood that has formed in the petrified logs. I felt like it was the best place to go in the park to have an opportunity to see a diverse array of petrified wood in one place.
If you go in the summer just make sure you carry water because you're completely exposed.
I imagine the snow in the winter would provide an even better experience for photographers.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Reviews
Overall rating:
For the rock lovers
This is a pretty small and flat trail that gives you the opportunity to check out all the insanely huge pieces of petrified wood in this park. If you are into rocks and gems and the desert, this is definitely for you - the petrification gives the wood an insanely glassy, otherworldly look and feel. If you aren’t big on rocks, you may want to pass - this is less of a hike and more of a geology lesson.
