Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park protects one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Located in northeastern Arizona, the park also contains stunning desert landscapes, badlands, ancient fossils, and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore vibrant rock formations in the Painted Desert, walk among fossilized trees that are over 200 million years old, and discover traces of ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: Arizona
- Established: December 9, 1962
- Park Size: ~221,390 acres
- Annual Visitors: ~600,000
- Age of Petrified Wood: Approximately 200–225 million years old
- Major Landscape Feature: Painted Desert badlands
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May)
Pleasant temperatures and wildflowers.
Fall (September–November)
Cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Summer
Very hot temperatures but beautiful desert sunsets.
Winter
Occasional snow dusting across the Painted Desert.
Best Photography Locations
- Painted Desert panoramic views
- Blue Mesa badlands
- Crystal Forest petrified logs
- Sunset over desert landscapes
Camping & Lodging Options
There are no campgrounds inside the park.
Nearby camping and lodging are available in surrounding communities.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The region was historically inhabited by Indigenous peoples including the Ancestral Puebloans, whose archaeological sites can still be seen within the park.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
- Private vehicle: Yes
- Motorcycle: Yes
- Individual: Yes
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Agate House archaeological site
- Quiet backcountry hiking areas
- Puerco Pueblo ruins
- Remote desert viewpoints
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Petrified Forest National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Petrified Forest National Park Maps – Download official park maps including scenic drives and trails.
• Petrified Forest Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• Petrified Forest Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates and park alerts.
• Petrified Wood Information – Details about how petrified wood forms.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Blue Mesa Trail
1 mile loop – Scenic trail through colorful badlands and petrified wood. - Crystal Forest Trail
0.75 miles – Easy walk through large concentrations of petrified logs. - Giant Logs Trail
0.4 miles – Short trail featuring some of the park’s largest petrified trees. - Long Logs & Agate House Trail
2.6 miles – Trail to ancient pueblo ruins and fossilized logs. - Painted Desert Rim Trail
1 mile – Scenic overlook trail above the Painted Desert.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Painted Desert overlooks
- Blue Mesa viewpoints
- Tawa Point
- Kachina Point
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Walk the Giant Logs Trail
- Explore Crystal Forest
- Visit Painted Desert overlooks
- Visitor center exhibits
Nearby Getaway Towns
Holbrook – Closest town with lodging and restaurants.
Winslow – Historic town along Route 66 near the park.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- Petrified wood deposits
- Painted Desert badlands
- Blue Mesa rock formations
- Ancient fossil beds
Scenic Drives
Petrified Forest Scenic Drive
A 28-mile road running through the park connecting the Painted Desert and petrified wood areas with multiple scenic overlooks.
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Enter through Painted Desert Visitor Center
- Stop at scenic overlooks along the Painted Desert
Midday
- Hike the Blue Mesa Trail
- Picnic lunch in the park
Afternoon
- Walk the Crystal Forest Trail
- Visit the Giant Logs area
Evening
- Sunset photography over the Painted Desert
- Dinner in Holbrook
Popular Flora
The park contains high desert ecosystems.
Common plants include:
- Sagebrush
- Rabbitbrush
- Juniper trees
- Desert grasses
- Wildflowers during spring
Popular Fauna
Mammals:
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
- Pronghorn antelope
Birds:
- Ravens
- Golden eagles
- Meadowlarks
Other wildlife:
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Desert reptiles
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Off-trail backcountry hiking
- Wilderness exploration
- Fossil viewing areas
- Photography expeditions
Park History
Petrified Forest National Park was originally protected as a national monument in 1906 to preserve the extraordinary petrified wood deposits formed during the Late Triassic period. These fossilized trees were buried in sediment millions of years ago and gradually turned into stone through mineralization.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Removing petrified wood from the park is illegal.
- Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F.
- Bring plenty of water when hiking.
- Weather can change quickly in the desert.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Walk among fossilized trees in Crystal Forest
- Explore the colorful Blue Mesa badlands
- Photograph the Painted Desert overlooks
- Visit Agate House ancient pueblo ruins
- Drive the Petrified Forest Scenic Road
Fun Facts
- Petrified wood forms when minerals replace organic material in ancient trees.
- Some petrified logs in the park are over 200 million years old.
- The park contains one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world.
- The Painted Desert is known for its colorful layered badlands.
- Petrified Forest National Park is one of the few parks that protects both fossils and archaeological sites.
Additional Resources (2)
• Arizona Tourism – Petrified Forest Guide – Travel tips and visitor highlights.
• AllTrails – Petrified Forest National Park Trails – Hiking maps and trail reviews.
• National Park Foundation – Petrified Forest Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• Holbrook Arizona Visitor Guide – Regional travel information and lodging.
• Petrified Forest National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geology, and fossils.