Petrified Forest National Park Arizona: 1st Time Visitor Guide
Explore one of Arizona’s most colorful and surreal landscapes, where ancient trees turned to stone and prehistoric fossils paint the desert floor. Petrified Forest National Park is not your typical forest; instead, it’s a fascinating stretch of desert filled with vibrant petrified wood, layered badlands, and historic Route 66 relics. For first-time visitors, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip.
Overview
Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park spans over 220 square miles and is best known for its fossilized trees dating back over 200 million years. The park is also home to colorful badlands in the Painted Desert, ancient petroglyphs, and remnants of historic Route 66. Unlike more rugged national parks, Petrified Forest can be easily explored via scenic drives, short hikes, and overlooks, making it perfect for all ages and activity levels.
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How to Get There
By Car: The park straddles Interstate 40, making it one of the most accessible national parks by car. The two main entrances are:
North Entrance: Off I-40 via Exit 311 (Painted Desert Visitor Center)
South Entrance: Off US-180 (Rainbow Forest Museum)
Closest Cities:
Holbrook, AZ (26 miles west)
Flagstaff, AZ (115 miles west)
Albuquerque, NM (210 miles east)
Nearest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) or Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Best Times to Visit
The park is open year-round, but weather and visibility can vary:
Spring (March–May): Mild temps, blooming desert wildflowers, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Fall (September–November): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and great lighting for photography.
Winter (December–February): Quiet and peaceful, though occasional snow can dust the badlands.
Summer (June–August): Hot (highs in the 90s), but early morning and late afternoon visits can still be enjoyable.
10 Best Things to Do
Painted Desert Rim Trail – Short but stunning trail with panoramic desert views.
Blue Mesa Scenic Drive – Winding road through colorful badlands and otherworldly landscapes.
Crystal Forest Trail – Home to some of the park’s most concentrated and colorful petrified wood.
Visit the Painted Desert Inn – A historic Route 66 stop turned museum with cultural exhibits.
Stop at Newspaper Rock – View over 650 petroglyphs dating back over 2,000 years.
Walk among the petrified logs at Giant Logs Trail near the Rainbow Forest Museum.
Stand on the old Route 66 alignment – Marked by a rusted 1932 Studebaker car.
Hike Blue Mesa Trail – A loop hike among purple, blue, and white layered hills.
Explore Puerco Pueblo – The ruins of an ancient 100-room village.
Join a ranger talk – Gain insight into the geology, paleontology, and human history of the area.
Best Hikes (Beginner to Advanced)
Beginner
Giant Logs Trail (.4 miles): Short loop featuring some of the park’s largest petrified wood.
Crystal Forest Trail (.75 miles): Easy paved loop with dense petrified logs.
Moderate
Blue Mesa Trail (1 mile): Loop through scenic, blue-hued badlands with petrified wood along the path.
Painted Desert Rim Trail (1 mile): Cliffside views of the vibrant Painted Desert.
Advanced
Off-Trail Wilderness Area Hikes: For experienced hikers, areas like Devil’s Playground and Onyx Bridge in the park’s wilderness zones offer adventure without marked trails (permit required at visitor center).
Packing List
- My Amazon gear list
Water (at least 2L per person)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Lightweight layers (it gets windy)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Binoculars (for wildlife and petroglyph viewing)
Daypack
Trail snacks
Map or downloaded offline map (limited cell service)
Similar sights:
Where to Stay
There are no campgrounds or lodges inside the park, but nearby options include:
Hotels & Motels
Holbrook, AZ – Closest lodging, includes budget motels and Route 66 road trip themed stays
Winslow, AZ – About 60 minutes west, offers mid-range hotel options
Camping
Wilderness Camping (Permit Required) – Primitive, backcountry camping allowed within designated wilderness zones.
Commercial Campgrounds – Found in Holbrook and along US-180.
Things to Know Before You Go
Park Hours: Open 8 AM to 5 PM; no overnight parking or access after closing.
Fees: $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days), or use an America the Beautiful Pass.
No Lodging in Park: Plan to stay in Holbrook or Winslow.
No Services Between Entrances: Once you enter the park, there are no gas stations or restaurants inside.
Cell Service: Limited throughout the park, download maps ahead of time.
Leave No Trace: Do not collect or remove petrified wood or artifacts (hefty fines apply).
Final Thoughts
Petrified Forest National Park is a fascinating and underrated stop for anyone looking to brainstorm some cool Arizona road trip ideas that combines ancient history, desert beauty, and quirky Americana. Whether you’re driving through on a Route 66 road trip or planning a full day of exploration, this park is accessible, photogenic, and educational for all ages. Be sure to slow down, take in the surreal landscapes, and let the ancient past of this stone forest transport you back in time.
