Petrified Forest National Park Travel Guide: Painted Desert & Trails
Updated: 4 days ago
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is one of America's premier outdoor sanctuaries. Encompassing 221,390 acres of protected wilderness, the park is celebrated for One of the largest concentrations of brilliant 225-million-year-old petrified wood and Painted Desert badlands.. Whether you are embarking on your first visit or returning to explore backcountry terrain, this travel guide provides the essential details for an unforgettable journey.
"One of the largest concentrations of brilliant 225-million-year-old petrified wood and Painted Desert badlands."
How to Get to Petrified Forest
Reaching Petrified Forest National Park is straightforward by air and highway. Most travelers fly into regional hubs and rent a vehicle for scenic driving across the park corridor. During peak summer and fall visitation, public transit and seasonal shuttles operate along high-traffic routes to ease congestion at popular trailheads.
Know Before You Go
Plan ahead for vehicle reservations and permits, which are increasingly required during peak visitation windows. Cell service is limited in deeper sections of the park, so download offline maps before entering. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and respecting native wildlife.
Petrified Wood Rules
Every log, chip and fossil in the park is protected. Taking any petrified wood is illegal, and rangers can check vehicles on the way out. Stay on marked trails in the badlands too: the clay hills are soft and scar easily.
Buy, Don't Take
If you want a piece to bring home, the rock shops outside the park sell petrified wood collected legally from private land. Leave everything inside the park where you found it.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest
The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is March – May & September – October, when seasonal temperatures are pleasant and key roads and facilities remain accessible. Summer offers full access to high-elevation trails, while shoulder seasons feature fewer crowds and dramatic seasonal transitions in foliage and wildlife activity.
Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest
From panoramic scenic drives to guided ranger programs and stargazing under certified Dark Sky reserves, Petrified Forest National Park offers activities for every travel style. Key highlights include exploring Crystal Forest, Painted Desert, Blue Mesa, sunrise photography at prime vistas, and immersive visitor center exhibits.
Best Hikes in Petrified Forest
Hiking is the quintessential way to experience Petrified Forest National Park. Iconic routes range from accessible paved nature strolls to challenging backcountry ascents. Top recommended treks include Crystal Forest for sweeping vistas, and lower-elevation canyon loops that trace serene streams and forested valleys.
Places to Stay
Accommodations range from rustic campgrounds inside the park boundary to historic park lodges and full-service hotels in nearby gateway towns. In-park campsites typically release on a rolling 6-month reservation window, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Fast Facts
Location: Arizona
Established: 1962
Size: 221,390
Annual Visitors: 500,000
Key Attractions: Crystal Forest, Painted Desert, Blue Mesa, Agate Bridge, Newspaper Rock
Sources
NPS & Government
