Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is a stunning natural wonder that showcases one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Spanning over 220,000 acres, the park features a mesmerizing landscape of arid grasslands, rolling hills, and painted desert badlands, all rich with fossilized remains of ancient trees that date back over 200 million years. Visitors can explore its unique geology, diverse flora and fauna, and remarkable archeological sites that highlight the region’s human history, including petroglyphs and remnants of ancestral Puebloan dwellings. The park offers numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for stargazing, making it a destination that blends natural beauty with historical significance.
Park Information Quick Facts
Location: Arizonia
Park Size: 220,000 Acres
Time Needed: 1-3 days
Best Season: Fall or Spring
Must Do: Painted Desert Inn
Pro Tips:Absolutely refrain from taking any petrified wood pieces with you.
Visitor Centers
Petrified Forest National Park features two primary visitor centers—Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum—each offering unique experiences and insights into the park’s natural and cultural wonders. The Painted Desert Visitor Center, located near the north entrance off Interstate 40, serves as a gateway to the park’s iconic Painted Desert landscape. This center provides visitors with orientation information, maps, exhibits, and a bookstore. A highlight of this center is its mid-century modern architecture, designed by Richard Neutra, which reflects the National Park Service’s commitment to preserving history in all forms. The nearby Painted Desert Inn, now a National Historic Landmark, showcases murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie and offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage.
The Rainbow Forest Museum, near the south entrance of the park, is a hub for learning about the park’s prehistoric past. It houses fascinating exhibits of petrified wood, fossils, and skeletons of Triassic-era creatures, offering a deep dive into the ancient ecosystems that once thrived here. This visitor center is also the starting point for several trails, including the Giant Logs and Long Logs trails, which lead visitors through striking landscapes filled with colorful petrified wood. The museum’s interactive displays and knowledgeable staff make it an engaging stop for families and enthusiasts alike. Together, these centers provide an enriching experience, blending education, history, and natural beauty, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary park.
Plan Your Petrified Forest Adventure Today!
Planning a trip to Petrified Forest National Park offers a chance to explore stunning landscapes and ancient history. Start by deciding which entrance to use—north near the Painted Desert Visitor Center or south by the Rainbow Forest Museum—depending on your travel route and priorities. The park is open daily, but check seasonal hours to make the most of your visit. With over 28 miles of paved roads and numerous pullouts, a scenic drive is a must, and short trails like the Crystal Forest and Blue Mesa provide close-up views of petrified wood and colorful badlands. Pack water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, as the desert environment can be harsh. Entry fees are affordable, and annual passes are available for frequent travelers. Whether you’re interested in geology, archaeology, or breathtaking scenery, careful planning will help you enjoy all the park has to offer.
Getting There
How to Travel to Petrified Forest National Park
Traveling to Petrified Forest National Park is an adventure in itself, offering scenic routes and convenient access points. The park is located in northeastern Arizona and is easily accessible by car, as it is situated along Interstate 40. Visitors coming from larger cities like Phoenix, Flagstaff, or Albuquerque can plan a road trip with the park as a central stop. The northern entrance to the park is near the Painted Desert Visitor Center, directly off I-40, while the southern entrance near the Rainbow Forest Museum is accessible via U.S. Highway 180. Both entrances are connected by a 28-mile scenic drive that allows travelers to explore the park from one end to the other.
For those flying into the area, the closest airports are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (about 120 miles away) and Albuquerque International Sunport (approximately 200 miles away). Renting a car is the most practical option for reaching the park, as public transportation is not available. For road trippers, the park’s proximity to Route 66 makes it a popular stop along the historic highway, and many travelers incorporate the Petrified Forest into a larger Southwest adventure, including visits to the Grand Canyon or Painted Desert.
Once you’ve reached the park, it’s important to plan your day efficiently, as there are no overnight accommodations inside the park. Nearby towns such as Holbrook, Arizona, offer lodging, dining, and fuel options. Consider packing a cooler with snacks and water, especially if you plan to spend the day hiking or exploring the park’s many trails and viewpoints. With careful planning and the right mode of transportation, visiting Petrified Forest National Park can be a smooth and memorable experience.
Camping
Camping at Petrified Forest National Park offers a unique way to immerse yourself in its breathtaking desert landscapes. While the park itself does not have developed campgrounds or RV facilities, it allows backcountry camping in designated wilderness areas, offering a remote and serene experience under the star-filled skies of the high desert. To camp in the backcountry, visitors must obtain a free permit from either the Painted Desert Visitor Center or Rainbow Forest Museum. Campers are required to hike at least one mile away from any roads and develop a Leave No Trace mindset, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. For those preferring more amenities, nearby towns like Holbrook provide campgrounds and RV parks with full facilities. Whether you choose the solitude of backcountry camping or the comfort of nearby options, the park’s stunning landscapes make for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Backcountry Camping
- Location: Camping is permitted only in the wilderness areas of the park, away from roads, trails, and developed areas.
- Permit: A free permit is required and must be obtained in person from the Painted Desert Visitor Center or Rainbow Forest Museum. The permit provides guidelines on where camping is allowed.
- Distance Requirement: Campers must hike at least one mile from designated roads or parking areas and be at least a quarter-mile from any trail.
- Accessibility: Backcountry camping is primitive, meaning no facilities such as restrooms, potable water, or trash bins are available.
- Leave No Trace: Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all waste and minimizing environmental impact.
For those looking for more traditional camping options, nearby campgrounds outside the park include:
Nearby Campgrounds
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Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA Journey (Holbrook, AZ)
- Distance: About 25 miles from the park’s northern entrance.
- Features: Tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and a camp store.
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OK RV Park (Holbrook, AZ)
- Distance: Approximately 22 miles from the park.
- Features: Full RV hookups, tent camping, clean restrooms, laundry, and pet-friendly areas.
- Website: Search online for “OK RV Park Holbrook.”
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Crystal Forest Gift Shop & Campground (near the south entrance)
- Distance: Adjacent to the south entrance.
- Features: Basic RV and tent sites near the Rainbow Forest area. Services are limited but offer proximity to the park.
- Website: Search online for “Crystal Forest Gift Shop and Campground.”
Here are three important tips for camping at Petrified Forest National Park:
- Be Prepared for Extreme Weather: The desert climate can be unpredictable, with temperatures soaring in the summer and dropping significantly at night, even in the warmer months. Bring layers to stay comfortable in both the heat of the day and the cold of the night. Be prepared for strong sun exposure, and pack sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. In winter, freezing temperatures can occur, so warm clothing and sleeping gear are essential.
- Practice Leave No Trace Principles: Since backcountry camping is the only option within the park, it’s crucial to follow Leave No Trace practices. Pack out all trash, avoid creating permanent marks (such as digging holes or carving on trees), and be mindful of the environment. Make sure to camp at least one mile away from roads and trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Remember, there are no trash bins, restrooms, or water sources, so plan accordingly.
- Plan for Safety and Navigation: The park’s backcountry areas are remote, and cell phone reception is often unavailable. Carry a map or GPS, and inform someone of your plans before heading out. Make sure to have a compass and know how to navigate the desert terrain, as the landscape can look similar in different areas. If hiking to your campsite, stay on designated paths, and be aware of wildlife, including snakes and other desert animals.
Popular Hiking Trails
Blue Mesa Trail
- Length: 1 mile (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Description: This loop trail takes visitors through the vibrant blue and purple badlands of the Painted Desert. As you descend into a narrow canyon, you’ll encounter spectacular views of the petrified wood and the surrounding desert. The trail offers interpretive signs about the geology, fossils, and flora of the area.
Giant Logs Trail
- Length: 0.4 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: This short, accessible trail near the Rainbow Forest Museum showcases some of the largest and most impressive petrified logs in the park. The trail is paved and suitable for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Interpretive signs provide details about the ancient trees that once grew in the area.
Puerco Pueblo Trail
- Length: 0.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: This short trail is centered around an archaeological site, where visitors can see the remnants of an ancient Puebloan village. The trail is easy to follow and includes informative signs about the people who once inhabited the area. It also provides views of the park’s geological formations and prehistoric petroglyphs.
South Rim Trail
- Length: 0.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: Located near the park’s southern entrance, this trail offers panoramic views of the Painted Desert. It’s a short, easy walk with benches along the way for resting and enjoying the scenery. The trail is perfect for those with limited time who still want to take in the beauty of the desert.
Tawa Point Trail
- Length: 0.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: This short, accessible trail provides a scenic view of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail is paved and easy to follow, with interpretive signs that explain the park’s geology and the process of petrification.
Crystal Forest Trail
- Length: 0.75 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: This short, paved trail offers a great introduction to the park’s petrified wood. The trail meanders through a dense concentration of large, colorful logs, some of which are more than 200 million years old. It’s a relatively easy walk, with benches along the way for rest.
Long Logs Trail
- Length: 1.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Description: This relatively flat trail winds through an area with some of the park’s longest and most striking petrified logs. It offers a more extended and peaceful experience compared to the shorter trails, allowing hikers to explore the colorful badlands and learn more about the park’s ancient history.
Painted Desert Rim Trail
- Length: 2 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Description: The Painted Desert Rim Trail offers sweeping views of the colorful desert landscape. This relatively easy trail follows the rim of the Painted Desert, providing dramatic vistas of the multi-colored hills below. It’s a great trail for photography and appreciating the park’s striking beauty from above.
Knolls Trail
- Length: 1 mile (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Description: This trail takes you into an area with colorful hills known as the “knolls,” where you can find striking examples of petrified wood and vibrant, eroded terrain. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a short but slightly more rugged hike.
Blue Mesa Road & Trail
- Length: 0.5 miles (additional access to Blue Mesa Trail)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Description: The Blue Mesa Road offers vehicle access to the trailhead for Blue Mesa Trail, allowing visitors to explore the Painted Desert’s deep canyons and colorful hills by car, followed by a hike down to the canyon floor.
Hiking Trails in The Petrified Forest National Park
Hiking at Petrified Forest National Park provides a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most stunning and geologically significant landscapes. With a variety of trails ranging from easy, accessible paths to more rugged, longer hikes, the park caters to hikers of all abilities. Whether you are exploring the vivid badlands, walking among ancient petrified trees, or taking in panoramic views of the Painted Desert, each trail offers a chance to experience the park’s natural beauty up close. The park’s diverse terrain features colorful hills, eroded canyons, and fossilized remains, making it a perfect destination for both nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.
For those looking to learn more about the park’s history and geology, many of the trails have interpretive signs that explain the process of petrification and the area’s ancient ecosystems. The Crystal Forest Trail and Giant Logs Trail, both short and easy walks, provide excellent views of the park’s largest and most colorful petrified logs, while the Puerco Pueblo Trail offers insight into the human history of the area with its archaeological site and petroglyphs. More adventurous hikers may want to tackle the Blue Mesa Trail or the Long Logs Trail, both of which take visitors deeper into the park’s stunning desert scenery, revealing hidden vistas and unique geological formations.
For those willing to venture into the park’s more remote areas, backcountry hiking is also an option, though it requires a bit more preparation. The park’s wilderness areas allow for primitive camping, but hikers must obtain a permit and follow specific guidelines to minimize their impact on the environment. With no water or restroom facilities in the backcountry, visitors must be self-sufficient and carry enough water and supplies for their hike. Whether you are taking a leisurely stroll through the park’s prehistoric forest or embarking on a more strenuous backcountry adventure, hiking at Petrified Forest National Park is a memorable experience that immerses you in the ancient and awe-inspiring landscape.
Wildlife at the Park
Petrified Forest National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, despite its harsh desert environment. The park’s unique ecosystem, which includes grasslands, badlands, and desert, supports a variety of animals adapted to the arid conditions. Common mammals in the park include desert cottontail rabbits, rock squirrels, and black-tailed prairie dogs. The park is also home to larger mammals such as coyotes, mule deer, and bobcats, which roam the area in search of food and shelter. These animals are typically more active during the cooler early morning or late evening hours to avoid the intense midday heat.
Reptiles are another prominent feature of the park’s wildlife, with species like the western whiptail lizard, desert horned lizard, and the occasional Gila monster making appearances. These reptiles are well-suited to the park’s dry environment and can often be seen basking on warm rocks or hunting in the park’s grassy areas. Snakes, such as the rattlesnake, also inhabit the park, though they tend to remain hidden during the hottest parts of the day and are generally not a danger if left undisturbed. Despite the challenges of life in such an arid climate, the wildlife in Petrified Forest National Park thrives, offering visitors a glimpse into the resilient creatures that call this unique desert landscape home.
The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it provides a rich habitat for both migratory and resident bird species. Raptors such as red-tailed hawks and golden eagles soar above the park’s landscapes, while ground-dwelling birds like roadrunners and Gambel’s quail can be spotted in the shrublands and grasslands. Additionally, a variety of songbirds, including western bluebirds and mountain bluebirds, are commonly seen flitting through the park’s trees and bushes. The seasonal migrations of birds like the northern flicker and the American kestrel make the park an exciting destination for bird enthusiasts, particularly in spring and fall.
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Must-Do Activities
Drive the Scenic Route
The 28-mile Petrified Forest Scenic Drive takes visitors through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views of the Painted Desert and numerous opportunities to stop and explore various viewpoints. Along the route, visitors can access trailheads, picnic areas, and the Rainbow Forest Museum, where they can learn about the park’s geological history and the ancient trees that turned to stone. Don’t forget to stop at Tawa Point for a panoramic view of the Painted Desert’s vibrant colors.
Visit the Rainbow Forest Museum and Painted Desert Visitor Center
Start your visit by stopping at these two main visitor centers to get an overview of the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. The Rainbow Forest Museum is an excellent place to learn about the fossilized trees and ancient ecosystems, while the Painted Desert Visitor Center offers a glimpse into the region’s cultural history and features exhibits on the ancient Puebloan people. Both centers provide valuable insights and interpretive programs, making them essential stops for a full experience of the park.
Hike the Trails
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Petrified Forest National Park is by hiking its various trails. Whether you choose the short Crystal Forest Trail to see stunning petrified wood or the more adventurous Blue Mesa Trail for colorful badlands views, the park’s trails offer incredible opportunities to explore the landscape up close. For those interested in history, the Puerco Pueblo Trail features ancient archaeological sites and petroglyphs, providing a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage.
Petrified Forest National Park History
The history of Petrified Forest National Park is deeply intertwined with both natural and human history, spanning millions of years. The park’s geological formation began during the Late Triassic period, over 200 million years ago, when the region was a lush floodplain teeming with plant and animal life. As trees fell and were buried by volcanic ash, the wood was slowly transformed into fossilized remains through a process called permineralization. Over time, these petrified logs became one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The park’s distinctive landscape, with its painted badlands and fossilized trees, offers a glimpse into the ancient past of Earth’s ecosystems.
In addition to its geological significance, the park holds a rich cultural history. Native American groups, including the Ancestral Puebloans and later the Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo, have lived in the region for centuries. They left behind evidence of their presence in the form of petroglyphs, pottery shards, and the ruins of ancient pueblos. Early European explorers and settlers encountered the park’s petrified wood as well, with some of the first written records of the area dating back to the 16th century. In the 19th century, the area became known for its fossilized trees, attracting scientific interest and ultimately leading to the establishment of the Petrified Forest National Monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
In 1962, Petrified Forest National Monument was redesignated as Petrified Forest National Park, expanding its boundaries and solidifying its importance as a protected area. The park’s preservation not only safeguards its unique geological and archaeological features but also provides opportunities for research and education about Earth’s ancient history. Today, visitors can explore both the natural and cultural heritage of the park, walking through ancient forests that existed millions of years ago while learning about the indigenous peoples who once called this region home. The park stands as a testament to the deep connection between nature, history, and the human story.