Petrified Forest - Date will change if government still shut down
Details
First off, this event will need to be rescheduled if the government is still shut down.
Here are some updates for this event. As the new leader, I have some conflicts so I am planning to just go out for the day. It would be great to carpool so I will plan to meet at 8 AM at the Walmart on Coors in the NW corner of the parking lot. Here is the google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fR5NhY31ikcB7kQLA?g_st=ipc
It is just under 3 hours drive, but we gain an hour since NM will still be on daylight savings time and AZ does not go onto daylight savings time.
For those heading out on Friday or coming from a different direction, we will meet at 10 AM in the parking area that is a very short distance north from the exit 311 off I-40. This is before the site in the original invite since there is some construction, but I updated thr link and here just in case is a Google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GXeuGoGw8KK8eZHw8?g_st=ipc.
Anna will be our local guide and we plan to do two hikes. We will first do the Painted Desert section of the Wilderness Loop, which will be about 3 miles and 300 feet of elevation gain coming back to the cars. There will be restrooms at the start and we can plan to do lunch when we get back. Then we will go further south and do the Jasper Forest hike, which is 2.5 miles and about 100 feet of elevation change. We then will go down to the southern end to the visitor center and a short loop with some amazing petrified logs. This will take us until about 4:00. Those going back to ABQ will start the 3.5 hour drive back, arriving in ABQ around 9:00, with losing an hour on the way back.
Those staying over Saturday night can self organize for dinner that evening and be more relaxed. If you have time Saturday or Sunday, Anna recommended a hike named the Blue Forrest trail that is 3 miles with 200 feet of elevation change.
David’s original description is below with a few changes:
Making Strides Goes to Petrified Forest National Park!
Date: Oct 17 - 19
Time: Saturday, around 10:00 AM | Duration: 4–5 hours
Location: Petrified Forest National Park, AZ
Group Size: Limited to 20 people
I recently visited Petrified Forest with my friend Anna, a longtime member of Making Strides who now works at the park. After spending the day exploring with her, I knew I wanted to bring our group here for an unforgettable adventure.
Anna has kindly offered to lead our hike through this incredible landscape. With more petrified wood than you can imagine and trails galore, this event will be a day of exploration. We won’t list specific trails just yet—we’ll leave room for discovery!
Important Info:
• Park Entrance Fee: $25 per car (good for 7 days).
• America the Beautiful Pass holders get in free—just bring your pass and ID.
• Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
• Do not remove anything from the park—not even the tiniest rock. Please respect and protect this beautiful place.
• The park is about a 3-hour drive from Albuquerque; Holbrook (a nearby town) is about 3.5 hours.
Weekend Option:
There are lodging options in Holbrook including a KOA, RV parks, and a couple of hotels. If people stay Saturday night, a group dinner in town could be planned.
This event will be capped at 20 people, so once the date is posted, RSVP early if you’re interested. Looking forward to this one—it’s going to be special!