Jasper Forest in Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Hike Jasper Forest Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Class 1 2.7 miles Minimal gain 2-4 hrs Loop
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude
Directions
Route Map
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Dec 17, 2017 — Jasper Forest is one of many possible fun adventures in Petrified Forest National Park. The highlight of this area is to see countless peices of the best ancient petrified wood I've seen in the park, and of coure there are lots of colorful sandy mounds. I parked at the Japer Forest Overlook and headed north on a social trail, bringing me down a hill ramp and into the "forest" below. I wandered north into a bunch of small side-drainages, checking out the many fun formations and wood pieces scattered around. I continued south of the overlook and ascended a different way, making a loop. This hike is a little less committing than others in the area where route-finding is more difficult, because you can pretty much see the overlook from most vantage points through the hike and have a reference as to where you are, opposed to just wandering aimlessly through the desert badlands.

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At the Jasper Forest Overlook, right next to the parking lot.
At the Jasper Forest Overlook, right next to the parking lot.
Another shot at the Jasper Forest Overlook, looking toward where I'll be later.
Another shot at the Jasper Forest Overlook, looking toward where I'll be later.
Close-up from the overlook.
Close-up from the overlook.
Heading down a use trail to enter the Jasper Forest.
Heading down a use trail to enter the Jasper Forest.
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A wash leads into the forest.
A wash leads into the forest.
Jasper Forest Overlook on the left.
Jasper Forest Overlook on the left.
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Heading back to the parking lot, but using a different route.
Heading back to the parking lot, but using a different route.
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A convenient ramp leads to the rim.
A convenient ramp leads to the rim.
Top of the ramp looking back the way I came.
Top of the ramp looking back the way I came.
Along the mesa, heading toward the car.
Along the mesa, heading toward the car.
The rim leading to the parking lot.
The rim leading to the parking lot.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!

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