Petrified Forest National Park – The Essential Guide

Petrified Forest is a great place to start if you are looking for some of the underrated parks in the U.S.

It’s located in northeastern Arizona. state’s three national parksAlongside Grand Canyon National Park You can also find out more about the following: Saguaro National Park. It’s always worthwhile to visit the park, but it will be especially fitting next year. In 2026 the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission to celebrate the 100th anniversary Petrified Forest, the only National Park with a Historic Route 66 section, was established in the wake of the creation of the “Mother Road”.

The remnants of the famed highway—including a line of now-weathered telephone poles—are far from the only things to see within this nearly 222,000-acre, semi-arid park, though. Petrified Forest National Park is best known for its 200-million-plus-year-old plant and animal fossils from the Triassic Period, or the “Dawn of the Dinosaurs.” The collection includes the petrified logs that were formed when trees were buried under an ancient river system. Minerals were then absorbed by the wood, replacing the organic material. The structures are made of quartz that is almost solid. The impurities (like carbon and iron) in the quartz create the stunning colors. 

As you explore this part of Arizona, be sure to stop by the petroglyphs as well as the abundant wildlife. There are many rare migratory bird species that use our sparse trees to rest on their journey. [but] “Porcupines are the largest rodents in the park and are more interesting than birds,” says park ranger Luke Heberer. Travel + Leisure. “In winter and spring they can easily be seen in high branches munching on the buds.”

In the summer, you’ll also see elks, pronghorns, mule-deer and, the “star,” the collared snake. Whether you’re an amateur historian, geologist, paleontologist, or zoologist—or simply someone who appreciates the importance of the National Park Service—this underrated national park has something for you.

You should read this before you plan a visit to Petrified Forest National Park.

Before you go, know what to expect

Petrified Forest National Park can be visited all year long. exception of two holidaysThanksgiving and Christmas. “Our gates are open from 8 am to 5 pm, but that’s only for those entering the park. Heberer says that those who enter the park before gates close are allowed to remain until the time we begin sweeping out visitors around sunset. This is usually 7:30 pm in summer, and approximately 5:30 pm during the winter. Check the signage or ask a ranger for more information. These times may change in order to follow the sun’s setting.

If you are a America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands PassIt will cover your park entrance fee. If you don’t, expect to pay $25 per vehicle (private), $20 per motorcycle or $15 per person on foot or a bicycle.

Keep in mind the “Leave No Trace’ principles throughout your vacation. “… “Every national park in the United States prohibits the removal or destruction of park resources, including wood, plants and fossils.” Heberer added.

Don’t worry – you can still take a souvenir home. He says that petrified timber is sold in local gift shops and at our own. Some give it away free. The wood that you buy or receive as a gift comes from outside the park. 

When is the best time to visit?

Heberer says, “It’s best to visit Petrified Forest from late spring through late fall.” He explains that because the elevation of Petrified Forest is below 6,000 feet “the temperatures here are milder than the rest of Arizona and there’s always the chance of a monsoon showering over the Painted Desert to increase its vibrancy.” 

He warns you to be on the lookout for snowstorms and strong winds during winter and early spring. “But, you can bet, when the Grand Canyon gets a foot or more of snow, it will also look like a colorfully-layered cake, with sprinkles of Rainbow Forest,” says the expert, referring to the densest deposit of petrified trees in the park. 

As spring officially arrives, keep your eyes open for blooming flowers and wildlife.

The wildflowers in this desert are amazing. Heberer explains that they bloom between March and September, but he finds April, May, or June to be their best months. Heberer says that the appearance of these flowers makes “hikes, cliffside views and other scenic areas even more tempting.”

The park is also home to a few different species of cacti—cholla, paperspine, prickly pear, and hedgehog. “Normally, they blend in with the landscape. But when they’re fruiting, cholla and hedgehogs dot the horizon,” says he. 

Heberer states that the busiest times of year are during school breaks. 

How to Get There

You have several options if you plan to fly into the area. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX, and Albuquerque International Sunport ABQ (both are located about 3.5-hours away from Holbrook – the gateway to Petrified Forest National Park. There are also flights from and to smaller airports, such as Flagstaff Pulliam Airport FLG, Show Low Regional Airport SOW and Gallup Municipal Airport GUP. Renting a car is necessary to reach and explore your final destination. 

Petrified Forest National Park borders run from north to south and has an entrance on either end. There are also three visitor centers The park includes the Painted Desert Visitor Center and Inn National Historic Landmark as well as Rainbow Forest Museum. The NPS reports that the Painted Desert Visitor Center has been closed due to renovations. However, many of the amenities are still open. These include a gift store, a gas station, public toilets and a picnic area. 

The Best Things to do in the Park

Take a tour with audio.

The best way to explore the park, other than hiking (more below), is by taking a tour. scenic driveStopping at different viewpoints on the way. You can download helpful information about the main park road, which is approximately 28 miles in length. audio tours—one starts at the north end, the other at the south end—ahead of your trip. These guides provide additional context for your drive by explaining the importance of the Rainbow Forest Museum. Hamilili Point, Jasper ForestCan’t-miss spots include. 

Plan an overnight backpacking adventure.

“Getting a Free overnight backpacking permit Then, you can get the northern wilderness area “It is one of our most rewarding experiences. I bring my camping gear, water and food for each day that I will be staying. Then, I set up camp near Onyx Bridge or Angel’s Garden. Both are popular locations not far from the trailhead.” says Heberer.

You may see petroglyphs and petrified forests, as well as hoodoos and other interesting pieces of human and natural history. After the long trek, nothing beats a double-scoop of matcha and espresso ice cream at the parlor located on the Painted Desert Inn’s bottom floor“, he says. 

Explore Blue Mesa, and the Painted Desert.

The Painted Desert is a colorful expanse that includes hills, buttes and mesas.Blue Mesa Heberer says that the view is the highlight of every park visit, no matter if you choose to hike or not. “The area is the perfect halfway point for the park. The petrified forest just starts to emerge from the Painted Desert layers’ most dramatic and colorful layers.”

Best Hikes 

Giant Logs Trail

“At a distance of just under a third and departing from Rainbow Forest Museum’s backdoor, Giant Logs Heberer declares that it is their shortest trail. It has the largest, and most colorful petrified pieces. You gotta check out ‘Old Faithful‘and take a photograph in the same spot as Albert Einstein.”

Long Logs Agate house Loop Trail

“Long Logs and Agate House is our longest developed trail in the park—2.6 miles if you do the whole thing, and at the very end sits a Native American pueblo Heberer says, “The building is made out of petrified wooden.” The Civilian Conservation Corps stationed an archeology team here in the 1930s. [and] “One of their greatest achievements was the excavation on site and the subsequent reconstruction of the Agate House, using original materials and floorplan.”

Hikes Off the Beaten Path

“We also have” backcountry hikes that we call ‘Off the Beaten Path‘ hikes. Jasper Forest would make my wife so sad if I did not recommend it. We have provided photo guides to help visitors avoid getting lost, since the trail hasn’t been developed. Heberer says, “Feel free to explore and combine it with our First Forest Off The Beaten Path Guide for the ultimate adventure.” The hike in Jasper Forest takes about 2.5 miles to complete.

Where to stay near the park

The Wigwam Motel

Heberer: “With Route 66 turning 100 next year, there are a few places that visitors can visit in either direction.” “West from the park in Holbrook in Arizona, there’s a motel heavily featured in the film ‘Cars.’ Wigwam Village Motel.” It is supposedly the inspiration of the Cozy Cone Motel from the movie. Wigwam Village can also be found a landmark—it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and it’s one of the three surviving Wigman Villages built between 1936 and the 1950s. 

El Rancho Hotel

“East of the Park in Gallup, New Mexico there is an historic movie star hotel-restaurant combo. El Rancho Hotel,” says Heberer. Over the years the hotel is said to have hosted Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hpburn and Billy Wilder, as well as a number film crews who were shooting in the region. The ranch-styled rooms at the hotel are all unique. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities including an outdoor pool, gym, restaurant, bar, and a movie star museum. 

Holbrook Koa

Heberer points out that Holbrook is “well-maintained KOA [Kampgrounds of America property]” is located just 20 minutes away. Campers are welcome to use the pool, WiFi, dog park, playground, and firepits—among other features—and there are also laundry facilities, firewood, and a snack bar that require additional fees. 

Where to Eat 

Painted Desert Diner

“The Painted Desert [Diner] Heberer says, “They have the best Navajo Tacos.” The restaurant is located in the park and there’s no need to pay park entrance fees to get to it. You can find them right off I-40 Exit 311. There are also a few specials throughout the week. For example, they have some delicious regional delicacies like mutton soup!”

Swaad Stop

“Swaad Stop A real Indian restaurant is less than 20 miles away from the park. Heberer: “I’ve never had a meal that I didn’t like. The menu has a number of classics—from butter chicken and chicken biryani to goat and lamb curries.

Bienvenidos Restaurant

Stop by for a meal in Holbrook – whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner Bienvenidos Restaurant A hearty meal is a must. Breakfast is a small menu but it’s good: omelets and pancakes. Lunch is a barbecue brisket or deli sandwich. Choose the open-faced green chili burger or the ranch burger with pork pulled.