Red Basin-Clam Beds Hike

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.