Little Painted Desert County Park | Winslow

Little Painted Desert – In Detail

Location and Setting

The Little Painted Desert is a visually stunning area located approximately 17 miles northeast of Winslow, Arizona, along Highway 87. This natural landscape is part of the larger Painted Desert geological formation, known for its colorful, stratified badlands and sweeping vistas. Unlike the well-known Painted Desert National Park farther northeast, the Little Painted Desert near Winslow is less commercialized and remains a quieter, lesser-visited site.

The entrance to the site is subtle and often overlooked, marked by a faded stone monument near mile marker 360 on the west side of the highway. Visitors access the area via the Painted Desert Rim Drive, a short half-mile paved loop that follows the rim of the badlands, offering panoramic views of the vivid, multicolored rock formations below.

Geological Features and Visual Appeal

The landscape here is composed primarily of the Chinle Formation, a sedimentary rock layer deposited over millions of years during the Late Triassic period. This formation is renowned for its striking layers of claystone, siltstone, and shale that exhibit a palette of reds, purples, pinks, yellows, and tans. The colors result from variations in iron and manganese minerals and the effects of erosion.

The exposed badlands consist of ridges, cliffs, and gullies carved by wind and water erosion, creating a dramatic topography of rounded hills and jagged outcrops. The contrast of colorful rock strata against the blue Arizona sky, especially under changing light conditions, makes this area particularly photogenic.

Visitor Experience and Activities

Viewing:
The primary activity at Little Painted Desert is visual appreciation. The paved rim drive provides several pullouts and viewpoints where visitors can stop safely to soak in the vastness of the landscape and capture photographs. The viewpoints offer broad perspectives looking down into the badlands, where the layers and textures become vivid and intricate.

Hiking and Exploration:
While there are no official hiking trails, adventurous visitors sometimes descend from the rim into the badlands to explore the terrain more intimately. Some remnants of old wooden stairs and informal paths exist but are largely in disrepair and unsafe. The terrain below is uneven and fragile, so caution and respect for the environment are essential. Because there are no marked trails or ranger supervision, hiking off the rim is recommended only for experienced outdoor enthusiasts prepared for rugged conditions.

Facilities and Maintenance

The Little Painted Desert area is open 24 hours a day with free access. However, it is important to note that the site is minimally maintained by local authorities and community volunteers. Visitors should be aware that:

Restroom facilities, if present, may be in poor condition and sometimes covered with graffiti.

The picnic and parking areas may be overgrown or littered.

There are no trash receptacles, so visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash.

The site lacks visitor services like water fountains, shade shelters, or interpretive signage.

Best Time to Visit

The Little Painted Desert is best experienced during sunrise or sunset, when the low angle of sunlight intensifies the colors and casts dramatic shadows across the rock formations. The warm morning and evening light highlights the reds, oranges, and purples in the Chinle Formation, making these hours ideal for photography.

Avoid visiting during the harsh midday sun when colors appear washed out and temperatures can soar, especially in summer.

Access and Directions

From Winslow, take Highway 87 north toward the site. Watch for the faint stone marker near milepost 360 on the west side of the road-this marks the entrance to Painted Desert Rim Drive. The access road is unpaved in parts but generally passable by most passenger vehicles at low speeds. The paved rim drive itself is about half a mile long and loops around the edge of the badlands, providing multiple scenic overlooks.

Nearby Points of Interest

Homolovi State Park: Located a few miles south, this park offers extensive ancestral Hopi ruins, hiking trails, and camping facilities.

Winslow, Arizona: Explore historic downtown Winslow, the “Standin’ on the Corner” park, La Posada Hotel, and local Route 66 landmarks.

Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park: Further northeast, this world-famous national park features expansive badlands, petrified wood, and diverse desert ecosystems.

Visitor Tips and Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to explore beyond the rim.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for rocky and uneven terrain.

Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Be prepared for limited cell phone service.

Respect the fragile desert environment by staying on durable surfaces and avoiding disturbance of plants and soils.

Since no trash bins are available, carry out all garbage to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Summary

The Little Painted Desert near Winslow offers a raw, dramatic, and colorful desert landscape that is ideal for visitors seeking solitude and natural beauty away from crowded tourist spots. Its vivid geological layers, panoramic viewpoints, and peaceful atmosphere provide a memorable experience for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers. While facilities are basic and maintenance limited, the site’s quiet grandeur and unspoiled vistas reward those willing to venture off the beaten path.