Petrified Forest Loop — Attraction in North Dakota

This place is stunning. If you came for TRNP, I seriously think this place is just as scenic, but in a unique way- if you have time and are willing to hike. I came to hike the north trail on 4/3/2024. I did come across two major difficulties- bisons and mud. Bison, yes, it was actually an obstacle. Maybe because of this time of the year grass is limited, they occupied the entire ‘prairie’ where trail passes. When I was hiking in, they were mostly on one side and I was able to hike from a distance while still keep parallel to the trail. When I headed back two hours later, however, they were ALL OVER, and there was literally No pass for me. Their staring at me tells me I couldn’t take chance. I looked up satellite map, my only option was descending to the waists of the dunes and climb along, basically beside and below the grassland where the bisons were, which made the hiking much more difficult. And this was also because the second difficulty- the mud. Snow is melting April and May here, mud is everywhere! And it’s really sticky. I tried my best to pick road, but mannn, check out my shoes(see pic). Many times, on the surface it seemed dry, when you step on it, you sink in 2 inches and underneath the dried and cracked clay, it’s wet, soft and slippery. So, good luck keeping your shoes clean:) Despite the bisons scared me and the mud bothered me, it’s still so WORTH it to make...

The Park Service has had to change the driving access route which increases the distance driven on gravel roads from about 6 miles to about 20. Make sure you get a copy of the driving directions from the Visitor Center! Do not use Google Maps to get to or return from the Petrified Forest or you will end up on undriveable roads! We followed the North Trail, not the loop. After dropping down steeply from the parking area, cross a valley on a mostly level trail. Then, climb steadily up to a plateau, cross it, bearing left when you come to the fork in the trail indicating the north and south trails, and then descend very steeply into a valley. The first "alcove" of petrified trees is to the left of the trail. Plenty of petrified tree stumps to photograph. The trail is well worn, so it's easy to follow. Most of the trail is in the open, without shade, so a hat and plenty of water is a must; treking poles are helpful for the...

We loved the Petrified Forest Loop Trail and recommend the trail for any seasoned hiker that has the right equipment, including good boots, hats, appropriate sun protective clothing, snacks, and plenty of water. (Read and follow the trail safety instructions!).

We did the Petrified Forest Loop Trail, starting out a little after 9 am. With a few detours, we estimated we did over 11 total miles on the hike. We spent over 8 hours on the trail, but also made lots of stops. Our detours were to circumnavigate herds of bison who liked to hang out on the trails.

Normally, we would rate the hike as easy. But the length and absence of any shade made the trek difficult.

We loved seeing all of the petrified wood, the wildlife, and also the seclusion of the Loop trail. The only time we saw other people was when we left at the...