Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park protects one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the badlands of eastern Arizona's Painted Desert. Established as a national monument in 1906 and elevated to national park status in 1962, the park more than doubled in size in 2004, expanding from 93,533 acres to 218,533 acres (88,437 hectares). The park preserves the best representation of the Late Triassic Period in the world, with paleontologists discovering roughly two new animal species each year among the 225-million-year-old fossils.

The landscape shifts dramatically as you drive through the park, from the sweeping painted vistas of the Painted Desert's colorful badlands through grasslands and geologic formations to the richly colored petrified logs scattered across the terrain. The park also contains historic structures, archaeological sites, and a grassland ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife including pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, golden eagles, and numerous songbirds.

Summers are hot with high temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F (32°C), while winters are mild with highs around 50°F (10°C) and occasional light snow. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable and the painted desert colors are most vivid. The park is open daily except December 25, and admission is $30 per private vehicle (valid 7 days). The park is a drive-through experience, with a 28-mile north-south road connecting the main entrances and passing all major points of interest.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), approximately 200 miles east, with full commercial service. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is about 250 miles southwest. Both airports offer rental car facilities, and a car is essential for visiting the park.

By Car / Road

The park sits along Interstate 40 between Holbrook and Chambers. The south entrance is accessible via Highway 180 from Holbrook (about 25 miles), and the north entrance is off Highway 180 near Chambers. From Holbrook, drive east on I-40 to Exit 311, then follow Highway 180 south to the park. From Albuquerque, take I-40 west for about 3 hours. The drive through the park is one-way from south to north, taking approximately 45 minutes without stops.

The park is designed as a drive-through experience. The 28-mile scenic road runs one-way from south to north, with numerous pullouts and parking areas at points of interest. Allow 2–4 hours for a thorough visit with stops at viewpoints, trails, and exhibits. No public transportation serves the park, and all exploration is done by private vehicle with short walks to sites.

Bicycles are permitted on the main road, though summer heat makes this inadvisable. The terrain is relatively flat but exposed, with no shade along most of the road.

Crystal Forest. The park's most famous display of petrified wood, with large, colorful logs scattered across a hillside. The logs date to the Late Triassic Period (approximately 225 million years ago) and display brilliant reds, yellows, and purples from mineral deposits. A paved trail winds through the display.

Blue Mesa. A short but dramatic detour off the main road, Blue Mesa features bentonite clay badlands in shades of blue, gray, and purple, with petrified wood scattered among the eroded formations. A 1-mile loop trail descends into the mesa.

Painted Desert. The northern portion of the park encompasses the Painted Desert, a vast expanse of colorful badlands formed by layered deposits of iron, manganese, and other minerals. Chinde Point and Tawa Point offer panoramic overlooks.

Newspaper Rock. Over 650 petroglyphs carved by Ancestral Puebloan people are visible from a viewpoint along the road. The petroglyphs, dating from 1100 to 1300 CE, include images of animals, human figures, and geometric designs.

Puerco Pueblo. A partially reconstructed Ancestral Puebloan village with more than 100 rooms, occupied from approximately 1100 to 1400 CE. A short loop trail with interpretive signage passes through the ruins.

Agate House. A partially reconstructed Puebloan dwelling built from petrified wood, located along the main road near the north entrance.

Hiking. The park offers several short trails, most under 1 mile, providing access to petrified wood displays, petroglyphs, and badland vistas. The Blue Mesa Loop (1 mile) and the Crystal Forest Loop (0.75 miles) are the most popular. Longer backcountry trails require registration at a visitor center.

Ranger programs. During peak season, rangers offer guided walks, talks, and evening programs at the visitor centers and campgrounds. The programs cover geology, paleontology, and cultural history of the area.

Photography. The Painted Desert's colors are best captured during early morning and late afternoon light, when the mineral deposits in the badlands glow with intensity. The petrified wood also photographs beautifully with dramatic sky backgrounds.

Stargazing. The park's remote location and minimal light pollution make it excellent for stargazing. The Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights.

• Budget: Rainbow Forest Campground (near the south entrance) offers 26 tent and RV sites ($23/night) with restrooms and water. The campground is open year-round and fills on weekends in spring and fall.
• Mid-range: There are no hotels within the park. Holbrook (30 miles west on I-40) offers several chain hotels including the Wigwam Motel, a Route 66 novelty landmark where you sleep in a concrete teepee (rooms from about $62/night).
• Upscale / heritage: No upscale lodging exists within the park. For upscale options, consider staying in Flagstaff (150 miles west) or Scottsdale/Phoenix (250 miles south).

Painted Desert Trading Post near the south entrance offers a small selection of souvenirs, books, and Native American jewelry. The gift shops at both visitor centers carry books on geology, paleontology, and the park's natural history. Nearby Holbrook and the town of Petrified Forest have additional shops with petrified wood specimens (though collecting from the park is prohibited).

Winslow (30 miles west on I-40) is a Route 66 town famous for the "Standin' on the Corner" park commemorating the Eagles song. About 30 minutes.

Holbrook (30 miles west on I-40) serves as the gateway town to the park and offers the historic Wigwam Motel and several Route 66 attractions. About 30 minutes.

Grand Canyon National Park (200 miles northwest) is one of the world's great natural wonders. Allow a full day or more. About 3.5 hours.

Monument Valley (130 miles north via US-160) features iconic sandstone buttes on the Navajo Nation. Navajo-led tours provide access to the valley floor. About 2.5 hours.

Meteor Crater (120 miles west on I-40) is the best-preserved meteorite impact crater on Earth, 3,900 feet across and 560 feet deep. About 2 hours.