Petrified Forest national park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona. It preserves one of the world’s largest concentrations of petrified wood. These remnants of an ancient forest turned to stone over 200 million years ago are absolutely incredible. This park also boasts painted desert vistas and archeological sites.
getting to Petrified Forest National Park
If you are flying to the area, the closest airport is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) which is located about 137 miles southwest of the park. Another alternative is the Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) which is about 221 miles southeast. There are two entrances to the park as it stretches between Interstate 40 and Highway 180. If you are driving westbound, take exit 311 and drive 28 miles through the park to connect with Highway 180. Then head northbound to return to Interstate 40. Eastbound Interstate 40 travelers should take exit 285 into Holbrook heading Highway 180 Southbound to the south entrance and drive 28 miles north to return to interstate 40.
getting around
The best way to visit this national park is in your own private vehicle. You can drive through most of the park on paved roads. If you are flying to the area, you should rent a car. You could also consider renting an RV and camping in the area.
when to visit
Petrified Forest National Park can be visited year round. Wildflowers bloom in the park from March through October. During the fall there are milder temperatures and less visitors. The park is open from 8 AM-5PM. The Rainbow Forest Museum and visitor center is open from 8 AM-5PM. The Painted Desert Inn is open 9AM-4PM. Always prepare for the sun with plenty of water and sunscreen.
where to stay
If you want to camp in the park everything is backcountry camping. There are no vehicle or RV sites in the park. All campsites need to be hiked to. You can obtain a backcountry wilderness permit for free until 4:30 PM at the visitor center.
There are several other state parks and national forests that have campgrounds in the area.
Holbrook, Arizona is the closest town with motel and hotel accommodations in the area. Holbrook is around 18 miles drive from the southern entrance and about 25.5 miles from the northern entrance to the park.
fees
The fee for the park is $25 per vehicle, $15 per person or $20 per motorcycle. You can also get an annual pass for this park for $45.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 interagency pass good for one year from month purchased- I highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year.
top things to do
Visit the visitor center, inn and museum
The Rainbow Forest Museum and Painted Desert Visitor Center are open from 8 AM-5PM. The Painted Desert Inn is open 9AM-4PM. The Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Desert Inn are located in the north portion of the park while the museum is in the southern aspect.
Drive the scenic Road
The park running from north to sound is about a 28 mile trip. There are several viewpoints to stop at along the way. There are also trails along the drive. If you just want to drive through the park and stop at some scenic points you should allot about 1 hour.
HIKING
There are various trails throughout the park. Some of the top trails include the Giant Logs Trail which is an easy 0.4 mile loop near southern entrance. It includes some of the most impressive petrified logs. Blue Mesa is a moderate 1 mile loop through the colorful badlands. Crystal Forest is an easy 0.75 mile loop through colorful petrified wood pieces. The Painted Desert Rim Trail is a 0.5 mile loop near the north entrance that offers panoramic views of the painted desert. Alternatively, you can do the easy 0.3 mile Puerco Pueblo trail that explores remains of a 700-year old village.
Horseback Riding
You can bring your horse into the park and ride on various trails.
camping
Petrified Forest National Park has backcountry camping only. You must hike to all these campsites. The backpacking wilderness permit is free and can be obtained from either visitor centers until 4:30 PM. There is no RV, car or front country camping in the park.
