National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

National Park★ 4.7
Painted Desert overlook in Petrified Forest National Park glows orange with eroded badlands and scattered green plains during sunset.

A landscape where deep time lies fully on display, Petrified Forest National Park blends colorful badlands, vast grasslands, and one of the world’s largest and most vivid collections of petrified wood. Spanning more than 200 million years of geologic history, the park protects ancient fossils, ancestral Puebloan sites, habitat for desert animals, and a sweeping stretch of historic Route 66.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Shoulder seasons recommended; July is hot with mosquitoes; September is crowd-free but chilly; June can have limited road access due to weather

Highlights

Why Visit
The park spans vast high‑desert landscapes where a Triassic forest has been preserved in petrified logs. The scale is relentless: miles of formations, color, and geology that tell a story from deep time. Road access is segmented by winter maintenance, so planning matters for access between the Painted Desert overlooks in the north and the petrified logs and Late Triassic exhibits in the south. Two anchor experiences ground the visit: the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark to the north and the Rainbow Forest Museum to the south. Access changes with seasonal maintenance and road work, making preparedness and timing essential for a productive visit.
Top Things To Do
Painted Desert overlooks, Rainbow Forest Museum, Petrified Log Field Trails, Late Triassic exhibits, Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark

Areas to plan around

Northern Painted Desert
Painted Desert overlooks; Painted Desert Inn NHS; north entrance near I-40 Exit 311
Southern Petrified Forest
Rainbow Forest Museum; Petrified Log Field Trails; Late Triassic exhibits; access via US-180
Backcountry Wilderness Zones
Dispersed camping; backcountry permits; stay >0.5 miles from vehicles
Gateway Towns & Access Corridors
Holbrook and nearby towns provide services; watch for road detours during maintenance

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Closest major airports: Flagstaff Pulliam (FLG), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX); access via I-40 and US-180
Getting There Driving Distances
Drive times vary; roughly 2–5+ hours from major origins depending on route
Getting There Entrances
North entrance via I-40 Exit 311; South entrance via US-180
Getting Around Shuttles
No internal shuttle; park by car or RV
Getting Around Reservations
No timed-entry reservations needed
Getting Around Parking
Parking generally available; large RVs should avoid Pintado Point and Agate Bridge lots

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
No on-site lodging in the park; use gateway towns
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Dispersed camping allowed in northern/southern wilderness; >0.5 miles from any vehicle; overnight backpacking permits required
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Holbrook, AZ; St. Johns nearby; gateway services available

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Bears are not a typical concern here; maintain distance from all wildlife
Safety Weather
Semi-arid climate; extreme temperature swings; hot summers, cold winters; monsoon thunderstorms Jun 15–Sept 30; avoid flooded washes
Safety Altitude
Elevation varies; high desert environment
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out; stay on trails
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry permits required for overnight backpacking (issued at Rainbow Forest Museum)
Wildlife Overview
Desert cottontails, pronghorn, coyotes, lizards, ravens, roadrunners
Wildlife Where To See
Painted Desert overlooks and along petrified-forest trails; Rainbow Forest area
Wildlife Safety
Maintain distance; do not feed wildlife; leashed pets where allowed

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Northern Painted Desert loop and Painted Desert Inn; Day 2: Rainbow Forest Museum and petrified logs; Day 3: Short hikes along Late Triassic exhibits
Entrance Hacks
No timed-entry lines; arrive early to secure parking near north/south entrances; plan to detour around maintenance zones if needed
Basecamp Logic
No on-site lodging; gateway towns like Holbrook provide options; plan accommodations 30–60 minutes away depending on your route
Crowd Calendar
July is peak mosquitoes and wildflowers. September is crowd-free but chilly. June can be snowy or road-restricted in early season
Tips Advice
  • No timed-entry; pay at gate with card
  • July is hot and mosquito-prone; carry water
  • Pintado Point and Agate Bridge parking can fill for large RVs
  • Monitor park alerts; winter road conditions can delay access

More details

Park Code
pefo
Tagline
Petrified Forest National Park
Entrance Fee
$25.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Private vehicle: $25 (7 days). Pedestrian/bike: $15 per person. Payment: digital only. Passes accepted: America the Beautiful Pass; Annual Pass $45; Military Pass free; Annual 4th Grade Pass free; Senior Pass $80 lifetime / $20 annual; Access Pass free; Volunteer Pass free
Nearby Services
Painted Desert Community Complex (Exit 311) offers restaurant, gift shop, gas station, restrooms; more services in Holbrook
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger activities available at Rainbow Forest Museum (check in advance)
Accessibility
Public restrooms and visitor centers available; some trails may not be fully accessible; plan accordingly
Photography Tips
Use pullouts at Painted Desert overlooks; avoid blocking traffic; be mindful of lighting in late afternoon
When To Visit Peak Season
July is peak mosquitoes and wildflowers
When To Visit Shoulder Season
September–October
When To Visit Winter
Winter delays possible; monitor alerts
When To Visit Road Opening
Road work Jan 2–Mar 28; delays up to ~15 minutes Mar 29–May 9
Weather Averages
Semi-arid; high desert with wide diurnal range
Weather Precipitation
Monsoon season mid-June to end of September; thunderstorms and flash floods possible
Weather Info
Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. About 10 inches (25.4 cm) of moisture comes during infrequent snow in the winter and often dramatic summer thunder-storms. Animals and plants are adapted to extremes in temperature and moisture. You should be ready too. Check out the forecast before you arrive and plan accordingly.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Bear spray, layers, water
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; wool/synthetic layers; sun protection; sturdy footwear
Review Summary
Visitors note the scale of the landscape and the accessibility of visitor centers; road maintenance can affect planning; crowds are manageable with timing, and the fossil beds deliver clear, instructive exhibits

Location

Sunlit Painted Desert hills of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness AreaSunset lights up the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark west side.Sunlight highlights the colorful petrified wood of Agate HouseMasonry wall foundations are all that are left of a hundred room puebloTwo visitors walk the Blue Mesa Trail between blue, purple, and grey badlands.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a timed-entry reservation?

No. Petrified Forest NP does not use timed-entry; pay at the gate and drive in with your pass.

What are the entry fees?

Private vehicle: $25 for seven days; individuals on foot/bike: $15 per person; digital payments only.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, on-leash where allowed; pets may accompany on trails where permitted and in parking areas; not inside buildings.

Is the road always open?

Winter conditions can delay access; check official alerts before travel; major maintenance Jan–Mar may create access limits and detours.

Where can I get backcountry permits?

Backcountry permits are issued at Rainbow Forest Museum; obtain before overnight wilderness camping.

Agate House Trail

2-mile pueblo walk, paved start, rough finish. Hydrate or dehydrate.

Blue Mesa Trail

1-mile loop through badlands of petrified wood and blue clay. Steep start, full sun, no water—tactical challenge.

Become a BARK Ranger!

Bring your leashed pet on PEFO trails via BARK Ranger. Free certificate at visitor center. Manage heat aggressively.

Crystal Forest Trail

Desert loop showcasing petrified wood. Hit it early to beat the heat—no shade on this one.

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Chambers

Fuel and one motel. Don't expect dinner—plan ahead.

Holbrook

County seat with budget motels, 35km west of Petrified Forest.

Navajo

Tiny, remote hamlet. One cafe, no hotels. 17 miles from park—resupply only.

Sun Valley

No rooms here, but gas and grub are available. Grab what you need, then hit the park.

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American White Pelican

These aerial fishers are incredible to watch—spot white pelicans across five national parks!

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.