Crystal Forest Loop Trail,
Petrified Forest National Park

Located 21.5 miles from Holbrook, Arizona (AZ)
4 Stars
1,706 Steps 1  (0.8 mi)
Trails › National Parks › Petrified Forest › Crystal Forest Loop Trail

The Crystal Forest Loop Trail is an easy hike that passes through the remains of what was once a dense forest. The petrified wood at this location contains a greater number of crystals compared to other petrified wood within the park, hence the name of this trail. As you walk around the loop trail, you will see some of the logs are still relatively intact — they still lie where they fell over 200 million years ago. Many of the trees you see within the park are scattered and broken due to weathering and geological events.

Crystal Forest Loop TrailCrystal Forest Trail, Petrified ForestCrystal Forest Loop Trail, Petrified Forest

Elevation

The Crystal Forest Loop Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,555 ft., a minimum elevation of 5,501 ft. and an elevation range of 54 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.8 mi5,501 ft5,555 ft54 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
18 min5.263 ft32 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
17 min2.732 ft63 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Crystal Forest Loop Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Carrizo Butte, AZ
  2. North Topo Map: Adamana, AZ
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Sorrel Horse Mesa, AZ
  4. West Topo Map: Padilla Tank, AZ
  5. Topo Map: Agate House, AZ
  6. East Topo Map: Milky Ranch, AZ
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Hay Hollow, AZ
  8. South Topo Map: Little Milky Wash, AZ
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Potter Mesa Tank, AZ

Difficulty

The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Crystal Forest Loop Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.

FAQ

What is the length of the Crystal Forest Loop Trail?

The length of the trail is 0.8 miles (1.3 km) or 1,706 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Crystal Forest Loop Trail?

A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 18 minutes in one direction and in 17 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Blue Mesa TrailGiant Logs TrailLong Logs Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.

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