Petrified Forest National Park
Overview
Petrified Forest National Park was originally designated as a national monument in 1906 to preserve the petrified wood found in the park. However, today the park is recognized for offering so much more than just petrified wood, including a broad representation of the Late Triassic paleo-ecosystem, significant human history, unspoiled scenic vistas, a fragile grasslands ecosystem, and clear night skies. Erosion has sculpted and molded intriguing landforms throughout the park. The flat-topped mesas, colorful badland hills, and sculptured buttes of the Painted Desert make a scenic backdrop for the many unique geologic formations and fossils found in the park. The surrounding environment of native grassland is just as captivating, and visitors are sure to be impressed by this diverse landscape.
To learn more about Petrified Forest National Park, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
The Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum are open year round except on Christmas Day. Hours vary by season. Visit the park's website to see current hours of operation. The Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Visiting Tips
Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
There are no campgrounds or lodging in the park, and parking overnight is prohibited. Visit the park's website for information on camping outside of the park and other overnight accomodations in the nearby communitities.
Backcountry Camping:
Backpacking is allowed within the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. A free permit is required and permits may be obtained in person at either the Painted Desert Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn, or Rainbow Forest Museum, at least an hour before the park closes.
Food & Drink
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Petrified Forest National Park - 4
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Recommended Routes in Petrified Forest National Park - 3
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Petrified Forest National Park Hiking
- 5 Miles 8 Kilometers of Trail
- 3 Recommended Routes
- 4 Gems
- 11 Easy Trails
- 3 Intermediate Trails
- 0 Difficult Trails
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Trails in Petrified Forest National Park - 11
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#1Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument Access Trail
Holbrook, AZ
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Holbrook, AZ | 4 | ||
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0.4
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#2Puerco Pueblo
Holbrook, AZ
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Holbrook, AZ | 6 | ||
0.5
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0.8
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#3Painted Desert Rim Trail
Holbrook, AZ
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Holbrook, AZ | 9 | ||
0.7
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1.1
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#4Long Logs Trail
Holbrook, AZ
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Holbrook, AZ | 7 | ||
2.1
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3.4
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#5Onyx Bridge Trail
Holbrook, AZ
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Holbrook, AZ | 1 | ||
0.4
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0.7
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#6Agate House Trail
Holbrook, AZ
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Holbrook, AZ | 6 |
Photos of Petrified Forest National Park - 62
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