Petrified Forest National Park

Overview

Petrified Forest National Park was originally designated as a national monument in 1906 to preserve the petrified wood found in the park. However, today the park is recognized for offering so much more than just petrified wood, including a broad representation of the Late Triassic paleo-ecosystem, significant human history, unspoiled scenic vistas, a fragile grasslands ecosystem, and clear night skies. Erosion has sculpted and molded intriguing landforms throughout the park. The flat-topped mesas, colorful badland hills, and sculptured buttes of the Painted Desert make a scenic backdrop for the many unique geologic formations and fossils found in the park. The surrounding environment of native grassland is just as captivating, and visitors are sure to be impressed by this diverse landscape.

To learn more about Petrified Forest National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Visitor Centers:
The Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum are open year round except on Christmas Day. Hours vary by season. Visit the park's website to see current hours of operation. The Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Visiting Tips

Petrified Forest National Park is open 364 days a year. Hours vary by season, and the park is closed on Christmas Day. To see the current hours of operation for the park road, click here. Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time and remains on Mountain Standard Time year round. Visitors should come prepared for a wide range of temperatures as the park experiences temperatures that range from above 100 degrees to well below freezing.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

• Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping & Lodging

Camping:
There are no campgrounds or lodging in the park, and parking overnight is prohibited. Visit the park's website for information on camping outside of the park and other overnight accomodations in the nearby communitities.

Backcountry Camping:
Backpacking is allowed within the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. A free permit is required and permits may be obtained in person at either the Painted Desert Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn, or Rainbow Forest Museum, at least an hour before the park closes.

Food & Drink

The park operates two gift shops, a convenience store, a gas station, and a restaurant. Hours vary seasonally for these locations. Call (928) 524-3756 for further information.

Other Activities

Whether strolling one of the short maintained trails, heading into the backcountry, horseback riding through the impressive landscape, or simply taking in the views of the badlands, buttes, and mesas on a drive along the main road, visitors will not be disappointed by the variety of ways to explore the park. For visitors looking for other adventures in the area, head up the road to Flagstaff for some great options for mountain biking and rock climbing.