Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona Travel Guide
Discover the ancient beauty and ever-changing landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park, where fossilized trees and vibrant deserts tell a story millions of years in the making.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history. The park is renowned for its vast deposits of petrified wood, which date back over 200 million years. These fossilized trees, now turned to stone, offer a glimpse into a prehistoric world. The park's landscape is dotted with colorful logs, making it a striking and unusual place to explore. Beyond the petrified wood, the park is also home to the Painted Desert. This area is famous for its vibrant, multi-hued badlands that stretch as far as the eye can see. The colors of the desert shift with the changing light, creating a living canvas that is both mesmerizing and ever-changing. Hiking through the Painted Desert offers a completely different experience with each visit. The park is rich in archaeological sites as well. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs and ruins left behind by the people who lived here thousands of years ago. These historical sites provide a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage and its significance to the indigenous peoples of the area. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique adventure, Petrified Forest National Park offers something for everyone. Its blend of natural wonders and historical treasures makes it a must-see destination for any traveler.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Petrified Forest National Park.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
- Bring plenty of water and wear sun protection as there is minimal shade.
- Check out the visitor center for maps and educational exhibits before heading out.
- Don't miss the Blue Mesa Trail for a stunning view of the park's unique geology.
- Respect the park rules and do not take any petrified wood; it's illegal and disrupts the natural setting.
Destinations in Petrified Forest National Park
Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.
Explore Petrified Forest National Park: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Petrified Forest National Park
Best landmarks in Petrified Forest National Park
Top-rated picks
Best Landmarks
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All Landmarks
Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument
Explore Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument, a treasure trove of ancient petroglyphs that narrate the stories of Native American tribes amidst stunning desert landscapes.
Painted Desert
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Arizona's Painted Desert, a vibrant landscape of colorful badlands and ancient history.
Painted Desert Inn
Explore the Painted Desert Inn, a beautifully preserved museum showcasing Pueblo Revival architecture and Route 66 history in Petrified Forest National Park.
Painted Desert Visitor Center
Discover the wonders of Petrified Forest National Park at the Painted Desert Visitor Center, a modernist gateway to ancient landscapes and fascinating history.
Best bars in Petrified Forest National Park
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Painted Desert Visitor Center
Discover the vibrant landscapes and rich heritage at the Painted Desert Visitor Center, your gateway to Petrified Forest National Park.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Phoenix at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, where creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
Tom & Suzie's Diner
Experience the charm and delicious comfort food at Tom & Suzie's Diner, the perfect family-friendly eatery in Holbrook, Arizona.
Mesa Italiana Restaurant
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Mesa Italiana Restaurant in Holbrook, Arizona, where every dish tells a story.
Best shops in Petrified Forest National Park
Top-rated picks
Best Shops
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Painted Desert Visitor Center
Discover the natural beauty and ancient history at the Painted Desert Visitor Center in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.
Painted Desert Inn
Discover the vibrant history and breathtaking landscapes of Painted Desert Inn in Petrified Forest National Park, a must-visit for every traveler.
Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Co
Explore the breathtaking beauty of petrified wood at Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Co - a geological treasure in Holbrook, Arizona.
Geronimo Trading Post
Explore authentic Native American goods at Geronimo Trading Post, where culture and craftsmanship meet in the heart of Arizona.
Explore Petrified Forest National Park on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Petrified Forest National Park, mapped for you.
Petrified Forest National Park Essentials
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Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona. The nearest major airports are Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, approximately 220 miles away, and Albuquerque International Sunport, about 200 miles away. From these airports, you can rent a car and drive to the park. The park is accessible via Interstate 40, which runs along its northern boundary. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a train to Holbrook, Arizona, which is about 20 miles from the park's entrance, and then take a taxi or shuttle service to the park.
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Once inside the park, the best way to explore is by car. The park has a 28-mile-long main road, known as Petrified Forest Road, that connects the north and south entrances and offers access to the park's major sites. Bicycling is also allowed on paved roads, and there are several hiking trails for those who prefer to explore on foot. There is no public transportation within the park, so renting a car or bringing your own vehicle is highly recommended.
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The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted at the park's visitor centers, gift shops, and nearby hotels and restaurants. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, as not all small vendors or services may accept credit cards. ATMs are available in nearby towns such as Holbrook, but not within the park itself.
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Petrified Forest National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Stay on designated trails to avoid encounters with wildlife and potential hazards. The park is in a remote area, so be prepared with sufficient water, food, and a first aid kit. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in parking areas and rest stops.
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In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The park has limited cell service, so it is advisable to inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time. The park's visitor centers can provide basic first aid and emergency information. For more serious medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Holbrook, Arizona. It is recommended to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
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Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking. Dress in layers as temperatures can vary widely throughout the day. Religion: There are no specific religious customs to observe, but always show respect for the natural environment and fellow visitors. Public Transport: As there is no public transport within the park, plan accordingly. Greetings: Standard American greetings such as handshakes are appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do bring your own food and water, as dining options within the park are limited. Always pack out all trash to keep the park clean.
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To experience Petrified Forest National Park like a local, visit the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Take the time to explore less-visited areas such as the Blue Mesa and the Painted Desert. Attend ranger-led programs to learn more about the park's geology and history. Don't miss the opportunity to see the petrified wood up close, but remember that removing any natural or cultural artifacts from the park is prohibited.
When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
Useful Local Phrases for Petrified Forest National Park
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Petrified Forest National Park. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- HelloHello
[Heh-loh] - GoodbyeGoodbye
[Good-bye] - YesYes
[Yes] - NoNo
[No] - Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
[Pleez/Yooh're wel-kum] - Thank youThank you
[Thangk yoo] - Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
[Ex-kyoos mee/Sor-ee] - How are you?How are you?
[How ar yoo?] - Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
[Fine. And yoo?] - Do you speak English?Do you speak English?
[Doo yoo speek Ing-glish?] - I don't understandI don't understand
[I dohnt un-der-stand]
- HelloHello
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
[I'd laik to see the men-yoo, pleez] - I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
[I dohnt eet meet] - Cheers!Cheers!
[Cheerz!] - I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
[I wud laik to pay, pleez]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
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- Help!Help!
[Help!] - Go away!Go away!
[Goh aw-ay!] - Call the Police!Call the Police!
[Kal the Po-leese!] - Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
[Kal a dok-tor!] - I'm lostI'm lost
[I'm lost] - I'm illI'm ill
[I'm il]
- Help!Help!
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- I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
[I'd laik to buy...] - I'm just lookingI'm just looking
[I'm juhst looking] - How much is it?How much is it?
[How muhch iz it?] - That's too expensiveThat's too expensive
[That's too ex-pen-siv] - Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?
[Can yoo loh-er the prys?]
- I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
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- What time is it?What time is it?
[What taim iz it?] - It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
[Its wun o'clock] - Half past (10)Half past (10)
[Haf past (ten)] - MorningMorning
[Mor-ning] - AfternoonAfternoon
[Af-ter-noon] - EveningEvening
[Eve-ning] - YesterdayYesterday
[Yes-ter-day] - TodayToday
[To-day] - TomorrowTomorrow
[To-mor-row] - 11
[Wun] - 22
[Too] - 33
[Three] - 44
[Four] - 55
[Five] - 66
[Six] - 77
[Seven] - 88
[Eight] - 99
[Nine] - 1010
[Ten]
- What time is it?What time is it?
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- Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
[Whehr's a/the...?] - What's the address?What's the address?
[What's the ad-dress?] - Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
[Can yoo shoh mee (on the map)?] - When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
[Whehn's the next (bus)?] - A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
[A tik-it (to....)]
- Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
History of Petrified Forest National Park
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Approximately 225 million years ago, during the Late Triassic period, the region now known as Petrified Forest National Park was a lush, subtropical environment filled with towering conifer trees. Volcanic activity covered the area with ash, burying the fallen trees. Over millions of years, minerals from groundwater seeped into the wood, replacing organic material and turning the trees into colorful, fossilized logs.
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Long before European settlers arrived, various Native American cultures inhabited the area around what is now Petrified Forest National Park. The earliest human presence dates back more than 13,000 years. Evidence of the Ancestral Puebloans, including petroglyphs and pottery shards, can be found throughout the park. The Painted Desert, part of the park, holds significant cultural meaning for the Hopi tribe, who consider it a sacred landscape.
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In the mid-19th century, European explorers and settlers began to traverse the area. Notable among them was Lieutenant Lorenzo Sitgreaves, who led an expedition in 1851 to map the region. His reports sparked interest in the petrified wood, leading to increased exploration and eventual attempts to protect the area.
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On December 8, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Petrified Forest as a National Monument under the Antiquities Act. This early conservation effort was aimed at protecting the incredible petrified wood deposits and the archaeological sites from rampant commercial exploitation. The designation helped to preserve the unique geological and cultural heritage of the area.
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Petrified Forest National Monument was elevated to National Park status on December 9, 1962, by an act of Congress. This change recognized the park’s broader significance, not only for its petrified wood but also for its rich archaeological sites and stunning landscapes. The transition allowed for better protection and more comprehensive management of the park’s resources.
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Since its designation as a National Park, Petrified Forest has seen several expansions, significantly increasing its protected area. Recent scientific discoveries have uncovered new fossil sites, including well-preserved dinosaur fossils and ancient plant species, providing valuable insights into the Late Triassic period. Modern archaeological efforts have also revealed more about the early human inhabitants, including a significant collection of petroglyphs and ancient dwellings.
Neighbouring Regions of Petrified Forest National Park
The closest regions to Petrified Forest National Park, if you have time for more than one.
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Explore More of Arizona
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Explore ArizonaPetrified Forest National Park in Photos
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The Ancient Wonders of Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history. The park is renowned for its vast deposits of petrified wood, which date back over 200 million years. These fossilized trees, now turned to stone, offer a glimpse into a prehistoric world. The park's landscape is dotted with colorful logs, making it a striking and unusual place to explore. Beyond the petrified wood, the park is also home to the Painted Desert. This area is famous for its vibrant, multi-hued badlands that stretch as far as the eye can see. The colors of the desert shift with the changing light, creating a living canvas that is both mesmerizing and ever-changing. Hiking through the Painted Desert offers a completely different experience with each visit. The park is rich in archaeological sites as well. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs and ruins left behind by the people who lived here thousands of years ago. These historical sites provide a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage and its significance to the indigenous peoples of the area. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique adventure, Petrified Forest National Park offers something for everyone. Its blend of natural wonders and historical treasures makes it a must-see destination for any traveler.