Lone Star Travelers Blog

Two miles into the park you come to Kachina Point, an overlook in front of The Painted Desert Inn.  Kachina (Kah-chee-nah) is the representation of the Hopi deified ancestral spirits.  This is the location of the northern Wilderness Area access trail.  The badlands (a spectacular, highly eroded landscape) stretch miles before you encompassing 43,020 acres.  Established in 1970 this was one of the first wilderness areas in the National Park Service.

The next overlook is Tawa Point.  Tiponi Point, No Name and Tawa Point offering expansive views of the Painted Desert are all clustered together on this first 1 3/4 mile stretch of Park Road.  Tawa is the Hopi Sun God.  Hugging the edge of the mesa the rim trail at 5,826 feet begins here.  Walk the .06 miles each way to the Painted Desert Inn on a self-guiding trail.  Signs along the way describe points of interest include geology, plants, animals and people.  Keep a sharp eye out for the horned lark, golden eagle and ravens as they soar the thermals here at 5,826 feet above the desert floor.