The expanse of the Painted Desert is plainly viewable from the overlook, easily accessible behind the Painted Desert Inn via a short path from the parking lot.

At its height around 1300, Puerco Pueblo was home to about 200 Ancestral Puebloans. Today, the ruins of this village are accesible via an easy, paved 0.3-mile walk from the parking lot. There are also petroglyphs at the site.

This 1-mile loop trail is a paved path through the Blue Mesa badlands. Though rated as easy, there is an initial descent from the parking lot (and ascent as you finish) that may be difficult for those with limited mobility. A true highlight of the park, though, as it immerses visitors in a totally alien landscape.

This 0.75-mile hike makes a loop through one of the park's major petrified wood deposits. The paved trail and mostly flat topography make for an easy hike, and one accessible for those with wheelchairs or strollers.

If you only visit one visitor center in the national park, make it this one! In addition to the typical orientation video, gift shop, restrooms, and information desk, you'll find exhibits on the area's paleontology including fossils found in the park. Behind the building is the 0.4-mile Giant Logs trail, which passes some of the largest pieces of petrified wood in the park.

These flush toilets are the cleanest you'll find until the Rainbow Forest Museum on the other end of the park.