Petrified Forest National Park

The Basics

Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers will want to spend as much time as possible among the natural wonders of the Petrified Forest, including Crystal Forest, Black Forest, and Rainbow Forest. The Painted Desert offers a multitude of trails for visitors to explore the striated mounds of sedimentary rock. Many travelers opt to combine guided tours with visits to other attractions in Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bring layered clothing, as the desert temperature can fluctuate wildly throughout the day.

• The Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum are good places to start for an orientation to the area.

• Seven maintained hiking trails allow pets on leash, but no bicycles. (Check out the off-the-beaten-path Jasper Forest hike.)

• No overnight accommodations are available in the park, but nearby Holbrook has several options.

• National park fees get you into the park, but 7-day passes are also available.

How to Get There

Visitors can reach Petrified Forest National Park, about two hours east of Flagstaff via I-40, by car or organized tour. Both visitor centers have ample parking and turnouts for large recreational vehicles.

When to Get There

Temperatures top out above 90°F (32°C) during the summer days but drop to around 40°F (4°C) at night; spring and fall are more popular times to visit. The park is open every day except Christmas, as are the Painted Desert Visitor Center, the Rainbow Forest Museum, and the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.

The More You Know

A variety of educational programs, led by park rangers, are offered throughout the year at Petrified Forest National Park. Activities include a Puerco Pueblo guided walk, a trek along the Giant Logs Trail, a lecture at the Rainbow Forest Museum about the Triassic period, and a tour of Painted Desert Inn. Kids can learn more about the park when they complete a booklet to become a junior park ranger.

What is the best time of year to visit Petrified Forest National Park?

The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is fall, particularly October–November when the weather isn’t too hot or cold and there’s less rain. The summer months can be super crowded (and rainy). If chilly weather doesn’t bother you, winter is the slow season. Wildflowers bloom in spring.

How many days do you need in Petrified Forest National Park?

You only need one full day to explore Petrified Forest National Park near Holbrook, Arizona. The park’s smaller size makes it easy to see its highlights in about eight hours. You can drive and hike the park on your own or take a tour for a guided adventure.

Is it worth going to Petrified Forest National Park?

Yes, it’s worth going to Petrified Forest National Park. Planning your visit is key, especially if you’re staying in the Holbrook or Chambers areas of Arizona. You can either take a scenic drive through the park or hike into the park and stop at main highlights and viewpoints.

Are there bears in Petrified Forest National Park?

No, there aren’t bears that regularly inhabit Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, although there have been reports of black bears at times. The animals you’ll most likely see in the park include coyotes, elk, mule deer, foxes, bobcats, gophers, mice, porcupines, badgers, and bats, as well as reptiles and birds.

What not to miss at Petrified Forest National Park?

There are a few things that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Petrified Forest National Park. The top attractions include the Rainbow Forest Museum, Crystal Forest Trail loop, Tepees South Pullout, Blue Mesa Trail, ruins on Puerco Pueblo Trail, and petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock.

Are there snakes in Petrified Forest National Park?

Yes, snakes do live in Petrified Forest National Park—in fact, the park is home to prairie rattlesnakes and California kingsnakes, as well as the nocturnal Chihuahuan nightsnake. There are also many types of lizards and toads that call the park home. Monarch butterflies have a natural habitat here, too.

Ways to explore

There are numerous natural wonders for hikers, photographers, and nature buffs in Petrified Forest National Park—including the Crystal Forest, Black Forest, and Rainbow Forest—easily filling a day or more. The Painted Desert offers myriad trails for exploring the striated mounds of colorful sedimentary rock, but there’s also plenty to see from the car during a scenic drive with multiple lookout points.

Many travelers opt to combine guided tours of this national park with other top attractions in Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley. Hikers often combine a trip here with the many hiking trails of Sedona.

Accessibility

There are some accessible restrooms and paved trails, but this national park has accessibility challenges with its historic buildings and trails with steep slopes.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, snacks

What to wear

Layers for fluctuating desert temperatures, hat, hiking boots

Not allowed

Bicycles, staying overnight, fires, weapons, and collecting of any wood, rocks, or plants

Amenities

Maintained hiking trails, visitor center, museum, restrooms

Address 

Petrified Forest National Park is located about two hours east of Flagstaff, via I-40. Most visitors arrive by car or by organized tour.

Driving

Both visitor centers offer ample parking and turnouts for large recreational vehicles. A scenic drive through this national park, stopping at lookout points and hiking trails, is a highlight of visiting. If you prefer to go at your own pace, you may prefer to arrive via personal car.

Public transportation

Organized tours are a popular option at this park, especially for those who don’t want to miss any views by getting behind the wheel. Tours often combine several of Arizona’s best known natural landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon.

Best times to visit

Many visitors choose to arrive first thing in the morning to maximize a full day of exploring this national park. Pack a picnic and water ahead of time.

Best days to visit

Petrified Forest National Park is open every day of the year except Christmas. If possible, choose a weekday over a weekend, although this park doesn’t receive the same huge crowds as other Arizona landmarks like the Grand Canyon.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are popular months to visit, especially for those who are hoping to avoid the very hot summer days. Throughout the year, expect temperature fluctuations between day and night.

Special events

Ranger programs such as guided walks, cultural demonstrations from local artists, and dark sky events are all offered at this national park.