2016 Events

Great Backyard Riparian Bird Count

Date/Time: February 12, 8:30 am. 2:00 pm.
Location: Morning: Meet at Painted Desert Visitor Center. Afternoon: Riparian area across the road from Puerco Pueblo.
Event: Morning: Bird Riparian Count with park biologist. Meet at 8:30am at Painted Desert Visitor Center courtyard then carpool to Pinta Exit off of I-40 and down to the riparian area by dirt road. We will be walking 2-4 miles. Bring warm clothes, good footwear, water, binoculars/notebooks, etc. Afternoon: 2-3 pm Join a ranger for bird watching and counting. Limited walking.

Great Backyard Riparian Bird Count

Date/Time: February 13, Morning 9:00 am. Afternoon 3:00 pm.
Location: Morning, Riparian area across the road from Puerco Pueblo; Afternoon, Painted Desert Visitor Center and Complex.
Event: 9:00 to 10:00 am. Join a ranger for bird watching. Limited walking. Bring warm clothes, binoculars, scope, chair etc.
3:00 to 4:00 pm. Painted Desert Community Complex Plaza for bird watching and species counting. Bring warm clothes, binoculars, scope, chair etc.

Valentine Hike

Date/Time: February 13, 9:30 am.
Location: Meet at the Tepees.
Event: Join a park volunteer for a hike along most of the historic Blue Forest Trail. We'll chat about geology, the CCC, Annie Alexander, etc.

Valentine Hike

Date/Time: February 14, 9:30 am.
Location: Jasper Forest Overlook.
Event: Join a park volunteer for a hike through the scenic and fascinating Jasper Forest (uneven ground, cross country).

Puerco Pueblo Walk

Date/Time: March 4,5,11,12,26. 10:00 a.m.
Location: Puerco Pueblo Trailhead.
Event: Join a ranger to explore remains of an ancestral Puebloan village. Walk 0.3 mile (0.5 km) on a paved loop. For those interested in seeing additional park petroglyphs, another 0.5 mi (0.8 km) walk on a dirt road will immediately follow. Allow 45 minutes for the walk, and an additional hour for extra walk to petroglyphs.

Coffee With a Ranger

Date/Time: March 20. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm.
Location: Morning: Painted Desert Inn NHL.
Event: Join a ranger for an informal coffee break to share stories and ask any questions about the park. Drop by Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark anytime between 9am-12pm. Free coffee, a beautiful view, and good company provided.

Night Sky Program, Lunar Eclipse

Date/Time: March 23, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Pintado Point.
Event: Enjoy the wonders of the night sky, including a lunar eclipse. This opportunity includes a rare chance to camp overnight in the park at Chinde Point (must call to reserve a camping spot by March 22). Must be in the park before 6:30pm. Headlamps, flashlights, and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Please bring red filters for headlamps and flashlights in order to preserve optimal night sky viewing.

Route 66 Hike

Date/Time: March 6, 23, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Route 66 pullout off main park road.
Event: Petrified Forest is the only park in the National Park System containing a section of Historic Route 66. Enjoy a walk along the "Mother Road." Allow two hours for this two mile round trip hike. Be prepared for an off-trail hike with proper footwear, water, a hat, sunscreen, and layered clothing.

Lacey Point Hike

Date/Time: March 27, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Lacey Point.
Event: Hike off-trail into the Painted Desert to discover some of the best petroglyphs in the park. Hike is approximately 2.5 mi (4 km) round trip, is on varied uneven terrain, and is considered moderately difficult. Allow about 3 hours. At least eight years of age is recommended. The hike is limited to 15 people and advanced signup is required.

National Park Week

Date/Time: April 16-24.
Location: Petrified Forest National Park.
Event: National Park Week is a presidentially proclaimed celebration of our heritage! Come out and celebrate at Petrified Forest National Park. Activities, hikes, and programs will be available throughout the park during the week. April 16-24 are fee free days throughout the country.

Painted Desert Inn Tour

Date/Time: May 22 to August 31, Daily.
Location: Painted Desert Inn.
Event: Painted Desert Inn is a beautiful building with rich history and stunning views. Ask any staff member in the building to give you a brief, personal tour during your visit, and if they can they will!

Lacey Point Hike

Date/Time: July 19, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Lacey Point, exact location with reservation.
Event: Hike into the Painted Desert with an archeologist to discover amazingly well-preserved petroglyphs. Hike is moderately difficult. 2 mi (3 km) roundtrip on uneven, steep terrain in summer hiking conditions. Bring hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, two liters water, and salty snacks. Reservations required, limit 15 participants.