Colorado · Hiking · Near Guffey

Petrified Forest Loop

Petrified Forest LoopPhoto: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.2 mi
round trip
77 ft
climb
8,401 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Jul, Sep
best months

Is Petrified Forest Loop open right now?

Alert in the area

The National Park Service lists an alert for Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

  • Florissant Fossil Beds closed in observance of Veterans Day

    Park alert covering Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument · NPS · Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

As of · Source: NPS · Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Petrified Forest Loop is a 1.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Colorado in Colorado. This short route offers an accessible option for hikers looking to explore petrified wood formations in the region. The compact distance makes it suitable for families and those with limited time who still want to experience the area's geological features. The trail provides an up-close look at petrified wood specimens, allowing visitors to observe preserved ancient wood in its natural setting. This geological landscape offers insight into Colorado's prehistoric environment and the fossilization process. Given the modest mileage, Petrified Forest Loop can typically be completed in under an hour, making it an ideal addition to a broader outdoor itinerary in the area. The out-and-back format means hikers will retrace their steps to return to the trailhead. This trail suits a range of fitness levels due to its short distance, though visitors should bring adequate water and sun protection, as the desert landscape may offer limited shade. Check local conditions before heading out, as trail maintenance and accessibility can vary seasonally.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Travel Port Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 5.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Mountain Burger

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 2 mi
  • If it rainsJeffrey Beall, CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

    Cripple Creek District Museum

    Museum

    Museum · 13 mi from Guffey

    History museum in Cripple Creek, Colorado

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 3.0 (commons)

More in Guffey

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Jul, Sep

    Best time to visit Petrified Forest Loop

    Best months: June–July and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      39° / 5°

      4 wet

    2. Feb

      41° / 7°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      49° / 15°

      6 wet

    4. Apr

      55° / 21°

      6 wet

    5. May

      64° / 29°

      8 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 37°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      79° / 42°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 41°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 33°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      60° / 23°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      47° / 14°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      39° / 5°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Florissant Fossil Bed, CO, 0.1 mi away at 8,402 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors