Petrified Forest National Park
A fascinating landscape of fossilized trees, colorful badlands, and ancient petroglyphs in northeastern Arizona.
Petrified Forest National Park showcases one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, the multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, archaeological sites, historic structures, and displays of over 200-million-year-old fossils. Located in northeastern Arizona, the park straddles the boundary between Navajo and Apache counties.
The park features a remarkable landscape that was once a floodplain crossed by many streams, with tall conifers growing along their banks. Around 225 million years ago, during the Late Triassic period, these trees were buried by sediment and volcanic ash, cutting off oxygen and slowing their decay. Groundwater rich in silica gradually replaced the wood's organic material, creating the petrified logs seen today. Minerals in the water created the vibrant spectrum of colors now visible in the fossilized wood.
Park Information
Visitor Information
Photos
Popular Trails and Points of Interest
Giant Logs Trail Easy
A short loop trail behind the Rainbow Forest Museum featuring some of the largest and most colorful petrified logs in the park, including "Old Faithful," which is almost 10 feet across at its base.
Length: 0.4 mile loop
Elevation Change: Minimal
Blue Mesa Trail Moderate
A loop trail that descends into the badlands of Blue Mesa, offering close views of the blue, purple, and gray badland hills with numerous petrified wood pieces. The trail has some steep sections and stairs.
Length: 1 mile loop
Elevation Change: 100 feet
Crystal Forest Trail Easy
A paved loop trail through an area with a high concentration of petrified wood pieces that once contained beautiful quartz crystals in their inner hollows (thus the name).
Length: 0.75 mile loop
Elevation Change: Minimal
Painted Desert Rim Trail Easy
A flat trail along the rim of the Painted Desert with spectacular views of the colorful badlands. Connects the Painted Desert Inn to the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
Length: 1 mile one way
Elevation Change: Minimal
Agate House Trail Moderate
A trail that leads to a partially reconstructed puebloan dwelling made with pieces of petrified wood. The dwelling dates back approximately 700 years.
Length: 2 miles round trip
Elevation Change: Gradual slopes
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is strictly prohibited to collect or remove any petrified wood, fossils, artifacts, or other natural or cultural objects from within the park. This is protected by federal law, and violations can result in fines and penalties.
The park's resources are protected for everyone to enjoy and for scientific study. If every visitor took even a small piece, the petrified wood would quickly disappear. Many gift shops in the surrounding area legally sell petrified wood that has been collected from private lands outside the park if you wish to purchase a souvenir.
The minimum time needed to experience the basics of Petrified Forest National Park is about 2-3 hours. This allows for a drive through the 28-mile park road with stops at major viewpoints and perhaps one short trail.
For a more thorough visit, plan to spend a full day (7-8 hours) in the park. This will give you time to:
- Visit both visitor centers and the Rainbow Forest Museum
- Hike several short trails to see different petrified wood areas
- Explore the Painted Desert viewpoints
- Visit historic sites like the Painted Desert Inn
- See archaeological sites like Puerco Pueblo and Newspaper Rock
- Take in the various natural features of both the northern and southern sections of the park
The park can be entered from either the north entrance (I-40) or the south entrance (Highway 180).
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for visiting Petrified Forest National Park. During these seasons, daytime temperatures typically range from 60-80°F (15-27°C), perfect for hiking and exploring.
Summer (June to August) can be quite hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F (32°C) and occasionally reaching over 100°F (38°C). Summer also brings the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.
Winter (December to February) brings cooler temperatures ranging from 30-50°F (-1-10°C) and occasionally snow, which creates a beautiful contrast against the colorful landscape. Winter visitation is lower, offering a more solitary experience, though some days can be quite cold and windy.
The park is open year-round except for Christmas Day, but hours may vary seasonally.
Petrified Forest National Park does not have developed campgrounds with facilities. However, the park does offer backcountry camping for those seeking a wilderness experience. To camp in the backcountry:
- You must obtain a free backcountry permit from either visitor center
- You must hike at least one mile from any road or developed area
- Camping is limited to a maximum of 14 days
- You must practice Leave No Trace principles
- No campfires are allowed (camp stoves are permitted)
- Water is not available in the backcountry, so you must carry all you need
For visitors seeking developed camping facilities, there are several options in nearby communities such as Holbrook (about 26 miles west) and Chambers/Sanders (about 20 miles east).
Nearby Attractions
Meteor Crater
75 miles west, a 50,000-year-old impact crater
Homolovi State Park
60 miles west, ancestral Hopi archaeological sites
Navajo and Hopi Reservations
Adjacent to the park, with opportunities for cultural experiences
Holbrook
26 miles west, historic Route 66 town with the Wigwam Motel
Canyon de Chelly
90 miles north, spectacular canyon with ancient ruins
Hubbell Trading Post
65 miles northeast, oldest operating trading post on the Navajo Nation