Martha's Butte Hike in Petrified Forest National Park

Martha's Butte Hike

This one-mile hike takes hikers to a petroglyph site at the base of Martha's Butte.

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Martha's Butte Hike Details

A brochure is available at the visitor's center detailing this hike. This one-mile hike takes hikers to a petroglyph site at the base of Martha's Butte. Notable petroglyphs at the site include a solar-marker petroglyph, which appears sliced in half by the summer solstice sunrise, as well as many others. The origin of the butte's name remains unknown. There is no set trail to the butte, but a suggested route. Hikers should park at the Dry Wash bridge just south of milepost 22 on the main park road, where there's a small pullout on the south side of the wash off the northbound lane. Head north following Dry Wash, and as the wash bends sharply east, head northwest towards Martha's Butte. Hikers will be walking up and down through small drainages as they head northwest to the relatively small butte, and although the hike is not difficult or steep, requires sturdy shoes nonetheless. Bring any food and water you require.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

1 miles

Estimated time

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Martha's Butte Hike

Compare nearby parks around Martha's Butte Hike when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Martha's Butte Hike

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Martha's Butte Hike while the map context is still fresh.

1.0 mi away

The Flattops

Running roughly north-south in the southern portion of the park are a series of buttes called the Flattops.

1.8 mi away

The Battleship

Just to the west of the Crystal Forest Trail is the Battleship.

1.9 mi away

Crystal Forest Trail

This .75-mile loop trail begins in the Crystal Forest parking area.

1.9 mi away

Crystal Forest

In the southern unit of the park, about 5 miles from the south entrance, is the Crystal Forest.

2.7 mi away

Dry Wash

Dry Wash connects to the Puerco River west of the ghost town of Adamana and runs south towards Agate Bridge and Jasper Forest.