Petrified Forest National Park · Arizona

Tewa Trail

1.2 mi of trail, end to end · Walk the Tawa Trail: 1.2 mi one way in the Service's write-up · about 90 ft of climbing · 5,769 ft–5,859 ft · native surface

5,769 ft 5,857 ft · 1.1 mi high 5,859 ft

Trailheads PD Rim Trail 5,853 ft Drive there · Tawa Trail 5,769 ft Drive there

Walk the Tawa Trail 1.2 mi one way · the Park Service's write-up

30 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Tawa Trail Trailhead, Petrified Forest National Park

Man walking a trail under a sunset sky with clouds
Walking the Tawa Trail Photo: NPS Photo/Jacob Holgerson

Enjoy the tranquility of the grassland as the paved trail leads you to scenic Tawa Point. The 1.2-mile one way Tawa Trail is a perfect place to stretch your legs after a long road trip. You will have views of the shortgrass prairie (particularly nice during wildflower season) and the red part of the Painted Desert. In Hopi ideology, Tawa refers to the Sun Spirit, the creator of the World. The Hopi are one of several modern Native American groups who are connected to the rich, varied history of Petrified Forest.

Accessibility Hard-surface, wide trail, plenty of places to turn around as needed. Meets standards for outdoor developed areas. Typical grade 2.3% with grades up to 8.3% Typical Cross Slope: 2% Max Cross Slope: 5% Typical Tread Width: 60 in (152.4 cm) No obstacles

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Other trails from the same trailheads

All 8 trails in Petrified Forest National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.