OVERVIEW

Boasting some of the country’s most unique and storied landscapes, Petrified Forest National Park gives a glimpse into the prehistoric world. The park is famous for its extensive collection of petrified wood, remnants of an ancient forest that thrived in the area during the Triassic Period, over 200 million years ago.

The park’s once towering conifer trees were covered in sediment and transformed into colorful, stone-like fossils. Today, these vibrant logs, with hues of red, yellow, and purple, dot the arid terrain and create some of the most striking scenery you’ll see in any US National Park.

Although the park is home to several hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and must-see attractions, it can be thoroughly explored in a day. After reading this guide, you’ll be fully prepared for your own visit to Petrified Forest National.

STATISTICS AND HISTORY

Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeast Arizona and was founded on December 9, 1962, making it the 28th US National Park. It encompasses an area of 346 square miles (896 square kilometers) or 218,533 acres. The park saw 644,922 visitors in 2022, ranking 46th amongst the country’s national parks.

During the late Triassic Period, approximately 225 million years ago, the area that is now Petrified Forest National Park was a tropical region containing lush vegetation, flowing rivers, and vast floodplains

When the giant conifer trees and ferns fell to the forest floor, they were buried under sediment, protecting them from decay. Mineral laden water seeped into the buried logs, replacing the organic material with silica and other minerals, forming petrified wood.

The park’s colorful badlands, known as the “Painted Desert”, was created from the erosion of sedimentary rock layers deposited over millions of years. The different mineral deposits are what cause the vibrant colors and striations that we see today.

From A.D. 200 to 1400, the area was inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans, who cultivated crops and created intricate petroglyphs that can still be seen today. The 19th century brought American explorers and settlers to the area, including the Whipple Expedition of 1853 which documented the area’s natural wonders.

Scientists and paleontologists began studying the area’s petrified wood and fossils in the early 20th century. Under the Antiquities Act, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as a national monument to protect its unique fossilized wood and natural features.

Today, Petrified Forest National Park is a popular destination for sightseers, offering hiking, scenic drives, and educational programs. The park’s various museums and visitors centers provide information about the park’s fascinating geological history and rich cultural heritage.

PARK LAYOUT

Petrified Forest National Park is roughly divided into a northern Painted Desert section and a southern Rainbow Forest section. The 28-mile main park road connects the two sections and runs the length of the entire park from north to south.

The Painted Desert area can be accessed from Interstate 40 while the Rainbow Forest area can be accessed northerly by Interstate 40 in southerly by Highway 180. Both sections of the park have their own unique visitor center.

The Painted Desert Visitor Center provides park information, interactive exhibits, a gift show and bookstore. The larger Rainbow Forest Museum & Visitor Center focuses on the area’s geology and paleontology, with petrified wood and ancient fossil displays.

GETTING THERE

The best way of getting to Petrified Forest National Park is by car. Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Albuquerque all have airports and you can reach the park from any of these cities within a few hours by car. A self-guided tour using a personal vehicle provides flexibility with your itinerary and is the most popular way to explore the park

Some nearby cities such as Flagstaff, Holbrook, and Phoenix have regional tour operators that offer transportation and guided services to the park as well. From brief day tours to comprehensive multi-day visits, many different itineraries are available.

Driving Distances:

Phoenix: 210 miles, 3.5 hours.

Tucson: 260 miles, 4.5 hours.

Flagstaff: 115 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes.

Albuquerque: 210 miles, 3 hours.

WHERE TO STAY

You won’t find any lodging within Petrified Forest National Park itself. However, with a free backpacking permit you’re allowed to camp within Petrified Forest National Wilderness, at least half a mile from your car. The permits can be obtained at the visitors center on the day you intend to camp.

The nearest town to Petrified Forest National Park is Halbrook, about 20 miles away. Although it’s a small town, Halbrook has several accommodation options, including Best Western Arizonian Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and Wigwam Motel, a unique lodge with rooms in the shape of teepees. We stayed at a rental property in Holbrook and thought it provided convenient access for a day trip into the park.

An hour drive from the north entrance to the park is Winslow. Here you’ll find accommodations such as the Best Western Plus Winslow Inn, Quality Inn Winslow, and La Posada Hotel, a historic railroad lodge.

A few campsites and RV parks are dispersed throughout the area as well. Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA offers RV parking, tent sites, and individual cabins while Crystal Forest Gift Shop & RV Park is found near the south entrance of the park and provides RV sites and tent camping.

WHEN TO GO

Petrified Forest National Park can be visited year-round, but there are significant differences in the weather, crowds, and amount of daylight you’ll encounter depending on the  season.

Spring brings mild weather to the park, with temperatures generally ranging from 50s to 70s °F. It’s a great time of the year for hiking and wildflowers are often in bloom, bringing color and life to the otherwise barren desert landscape.

The busiest time in the park is during the summer months. Daytime temperatures can be very hot, typically in the 80s to 90s °F or higher. Plan your activities during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The advantage of visiting during the summer is that you’ll have longer daylight hours and all of the facilities will be open.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Petrified Forest National Park. The average temperatures return to pleasant levels while the crowds disperse. Outdoor activities such as hiking are popular while fall foliage can be seen in some areas of the park.

Temperatures drop into the 30s to 50s °F during the winter while snow may appear in higher elevations. Crowds are at a low and this can be a peaceful time to visit the park. But be prepared for freezing temperatures overnight and occasional road closures.

BEST THINGS TO DO

Rainbow Forest Museum

The southern section of the park is home to the Rainbow Forest Museum, which also serves as a visitor center and wonderful source of information regarding the geology, paleontology, and cultural history of the park.

In the museum you’ll find a variety of interactive exhibits, ranger-led talks, and a gift shop. Petrified wood and ancient fossils are on display while information panels explain the process of petrification. 

You’ll learn about the types of minerals found in the wood and get an idea of what conditions were like in the park during prehistoric times. The Rainbow Forest Museum is a great place to begin your visit and get an overview of Petrified Forest National Park.

Giant Logs Trail

As a short 0.4-mile trail near the Rainbow Forest Museum, Giant Logs Trail showcases some of the largest petrified logs of the park. You’ll gain an appreciation for the unique colors and textures of the enormous logs, which is the result of the organic material being replaced by minerals over millions of years. 

Long Logs Trail and Agate House

Long Logs Trail is a 1.6-mile loop trail found at the base of the gray badlands in the southern section of Petrified Forest National Park. Similar to Giant Logs Trail, it contains some of the park’s most impressive collections of petrified logs.

An offshoot of the Long Logs Trail leads to the Agate House, ancient ruins of a Puebloan dwelling that were constructed using petrified wood. The house dates back to around A.D. 1050 to 1150 and provides insights into the life of the early inhabitants of the region.

Crystal Forest

Located in the southern section of the park and easily accessible from the main park road, Crystal Forest is one of the most popular and visually stunning areas within Petrified Forest National Park. 

The 0.75-mile loop trail weaves through a large concentration of petrified wood that was transformed from quartz crystal deposits. The mineralized logs and sparkling crystals generate an array of vivid colors and create the perfect contrast amidst the arid desert landscape.

The trail itself is flat and accessible to almost everyone while interpretive signs along the route offer information into the history, geology, and paleontology of the once thriving forest.

Jasper Forest Overlook 

The Jasper Forest Overlook is accessible using a short trail from the parking lot. The viewpoint looks out into the expansive Jasper Forest landscape which contains an abundance of colorful petrified wood. This is a popular spot for photographers and one of the best views in Petrified Forest National Park.

Blue Forest Trail

If you only do one thing in Petrified Forest National Park, make sure it’s hiking the 3-mile Blue Forest Trail. Although information on this off-the-radar hike was scarce, we were treated to spectacular views of the unique park terrain and the hike was our favorite experience white visiting the area.

The rather subtle trailhead is found on the east side of the main park road in the Blue Mesa section of the park. While initially flat and rather monotonous, you’ll soon start ascending into the vibrant blue and purple-hued badlands. 

Along the way you’ll encounter pieces of petrified wood scattered across the eroded hills and valleys, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The undulating trail offers ever-changing vistas and we felt as though we were exploring an entirely different world.

The Teepees

Another impressive site in the Blue Mesa section of the park are the distinctive Teepees, conical rock formations with sedimentary layers that resemble traditional Native American teepees.

A 1.5-mile loop trail allows you to explore The Teepees up close. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to visit as the sunlight creates some unique and visually striking colors. 

Blue Mesa Trail

The 1-mile Blue Mesa Trail descends from a plateau into a maze of bluish bentonite clay cones. The trail features only minimal elevation and contains both paved and gravel sections.

The Blue Mesa area is renowned for its vibrant blue and gray hills. The unique colors result from mineral deposits and weathering of the bentonite clay. Similar to many other trails in the park you’re sure to find numerous pieces of petrified wood along the path.

The uniquely colored landscape and rock formations in this area of the park are simply stunning. Alongside the Blue Forest Trail, hiking the Blue Mesa Trail belongs on every Petrified Forest National Park itinerary.

Newspaper Rock

Newspaper Rock is a dense collection of hundreds of petroglyphs, created by the ancient Puebloan people between 650 and 2,000 years ago. The carvings consist of symbols, animals, and human figures and offer valuable insights into the culture, beliefs, and daily life of the ancient inhabitants of the region.

Puerco Pueblo

If you’re looking for a short trail to a fascinating archeological site, consider a visit to Puerco Pueblo. The paved 0.3-mile trail is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and leads to the ruins of a Puebloan village while featuring extensive petroglyphs.

The once flourishing village dates back to over 600 years ago, around A.D. 1250 to 1380. It’s estimated that at one point the village contained 100 rooms and housed a community of about 200 people.

At the southern end of the trail are some of the park’s most impressive petroglyphs. One of the most famous is the “birth petroglyph,” which is believed to depict a woman giving birth, along with a series of intricate geometric designs.

Route 66 Pullout

Route 66, sometimes referred to as “The Mother Road”, was one of the original roadways of the US Highway System. While the section of Route 66 within the park is no longer in use, it has been preserved and provides a nostalgic glimpse into the past. 

A rusted 1932 Studebaker currently stands at the Route 66 Pullout, paying tribute to a lost era of classic cars and family road trips. The vintage car provides a great photo opportunity and a way to connect with the millions of travelers who once journeyed across this historic American highway.

Painted Desert  

The northern part of Petrified Forest National Park is home to the vibrant colors and distinctive geological rock formations of the Painted Desert. It’s known for its captivating landscapes characterized by colorful and layered sedimentary rocks.

The 1-mile Painted Desert Rim Trail offers stunning views of the sloping and colorful hills. These badlands of the Painted Desert extend as far as the Navajo and Hopi reservations in northeastern Arizona.

A scenic road leading through the northern section of the park contains several worthwhile viewpoints including Tiponi Point, Tawa Point, Kachina Point, and Chinde Point. If you don’t have time for the Painted Desert Rim Trail, the panoramic vistas and excellent photographic opportunities at these viewpoints are a nice consolation prize..

Painted Desert Inn

Located near Kachina Point and constructed in 1924, the Painted Desert Inn was once a bustling hotel and restaurant, but has now been converted into a park museum. You’ll find information about the development of Route 66 and the cultural history of the region.

The inn features traditional Pueblo Revival-style architecture. With its adobe-like appearance and decorative elements, it reflects the architectural style of the early 20th century. Much of the structure’s interior remains intact, including original hotel furnishings, decor, and artifacts.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Visiting Petrified Forest National Park is a unique experience that’s filled with educational opportunities and gives a glimpse into prehistoric times. The park’s visitor centers, cultural sites, and information signs provided the perfect introduction into the petrification process and geological history of the region.

Our favorite activities while visiting the park were hiking the Blue Mesa Trail and Blue Forest Trail. Weaving between the striated cones and colorful hills of the extraterrestrial-like landscape was a truly special experience.

Several towns and cities are within driving distance of the park and it can be thoroughly explored in just one day. Whether you simply want to drive the park’s main scenic road or hike through its colorful terrain, everyone can enjoy a visit to Petrified Forest National Park.