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Hikes/United States/Arizona/Petrified Forest National Park
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
68 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.9 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Red Basin-Clam Beds Hike

Red Basin-Clam Beds Hike
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Table of contents

The Red Basin-Clam Beds hike is a backcountry adventure in Arizona’s fascinating Petrified Forest National Park. This hike is best suited for the adventurous ones, as it’s not well-marked, requires some bushwhacking, and has some thorny footing to deal with. Little kids and dogs might not have the best time on this hike, but hikers who enjoy exercising their route-finding and getting away from busy trails will enjoy it. Expect light traffic.

Route Description for Red Basin-Clam Beds Hike

The Red Basin-Clam Beds hike is one of the backcountry hikes in Petrified Forest National Park. This route, true to the name, leads you over an ancient clam bed. Yes, this area used to be completely covered by water if you can believe it! This hike offers interesting views of the badlands and it’s very, very quiet. You’ll probably have the place to yourself.

Gaiters are something to consider if you choose to hike through the grasslands. While leashed dogs are allowed on this hike, we don’t recommend bringing them. The grassland is spiky and thorny and users report needing to do thorn removal on their dogs afterwards. You’ll almost definitely require an offline GPS map to make it through this hike as there’s no defined trail in some spots. You can also grab a trail guide from the visitor center to help.

From the Blue Mesa Scenic Road, hike a few steps south on the road and then look for the trail where it heads off to your left. The loop travels clockwise through Billings Gap and through several washes in Red Basin before returning through the clam beds. Admire the hoodoos and the rock formations as you explore. You’ll eventually meet up with the main trail to return to the trailhead.

Getting to the Red Basin-Clam Beds Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for the Red Basin-Clam Beds hike is on Blue Mesa Scenic Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    February-November

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Lollipop

Red Basin-Clam Beds Hike Elevation Graph

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