ProTrails

Painted Desert Area - Painted Desert Rim Trail

The Painted Desert Rim Trail runs atop the north-facing rim of a lofty escarpment, below which the Painted Desert Unit sprawls across the horizon. The rim houses a small oasis of plants, shrubs and trees that are otherwise rare throughout the Park. Stunningly beautiful in all directions, the high perch on which you're traveling yields commanding views of the entire district. Rolling, colorful badland formations are interspersed with vast grasslands and lengthy washes.

Related Trail Descriptions:
  
«From the Painted Desert Rim Trail, a sweeping panorama of the park's Painted Desert section»
From the Painted Desert Rim Trail, a sweeping panorama of the park's Painted Desert section
From the Painted Desert Rim Trail, a sweeping panorama of the park's Painted Desert sectionSpectacular view from the "drop in" point to the Painted Desert backcountry A camper sets out from the drop in point to the backcountry of the Painted DesertThe Chinde Mesa area in the backcountry of the Painted Desert section of Petrified Forest National ParkAnother angle of Chinde Mesa, a surreal backcountry destination in the Painted DesertAmazing badland formations at sunrise - in the backcountry of the Painted Desert sectionVeiw from atop the Painted Desert Rim Trail - the colors are genuinely strikingAnother view from the The Painted Desert Rim Trail - bright red badland formations dominate the immediate landscapeNow deep in the backcountry, a hiker explores the endless terrain of the Painted Desert