Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park lies in northeast Arizona, about 25 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona. Petrified Forest has a north entrance off Interstate 40 (exit 311) and a south entrance from US Highway 180, the paved road in the park is 28 miles. Petrified Forest does not have a campground. The nearest lodging is located in Holbrook, Arizona or Gallup, New Mexico located 65 miles to the east on Interstate 40.
The scenery at Petrified Forest National Park is unlike any other, with its multi-colored badlands of the Painted Desert, petrified wood, and archaeological sites with fossils. It is one of the world's largest concentration of these sites with a beauty all its own.
Petrified Forest has a paved 28 mile scenic byway with overlooks. The parks outdoor activities inlucde hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and bicycling. Download the Petrified Forest National Park Map (pdf, 274k)
Painted Desert Visitor Center & Rainbow Forest Museum
- Winter season 2007/2008 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The visitor center is closed on Christmas Day
- Phone: (928) 524-6228
Painted Desert Inn National Historical Landmark
- 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. year round
When exploring Petrified Forest National Park remember that the removal of petrified wood, crystals and fossils is prohibited.
Scenic Byway: The 28 mile long paved byway has numerous view points with parking lots and pull outs that can accommodate large recreational vehicles. Off road vehicle use is not allowed in the Park and includeds mountain bikes.
Backpacking: Most Backpackers hike into the Painted Desert located at the North section of the Park. If staying overnight, backpackers are required to obtain a free permit at least one hour before the park closes.
Horseback Riding: Two miles north of the Painted Desert Visitor Center, is the Wilderness Access trail near Kachina Point. There is horse trailer parking and loading/unloading room. Water is available at the service station by the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
Painted Desert Rim Trail
Puerco Pueblo Trail
Crystal Forest Trail
Giant Logs Trail
Agate House
1 mile, round trip
.3 mile, round trip
.75 mile, round trip
.4 mile, round trip
2 miles, round trip
Tawa Point and Kachina Point
Puerco Pueblo Parking Area
Crystal Forest Parking Area
Rainbow Forest Museum Parking Area
Rainbow Forest Muesum Parking Area
Blue Mesa Trail
1 mile, round trip
Blue Mesa Sun Shelter
There are no area Dog Kennels available.
Individuals: $5.00
The individual pass is valid for 7 days and applies to motorcycles, bicycles, and walk-ins (per person).
Vehicles: $10.00
The vehicle pass is valid for 7 days.
Petrified Forest National Park Annual Pass: $20.00
Buses and Commercial Vehicles: Please contact the park for fees.
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