AMERICA’S WIDE-OPEN WONDERS

Petrified Forest National Park

Painted Desert & fossil wood
Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park · NPS Photo · Photo credits
A PLACE TO REMEMBER

Make room for the wonder.

Colorful badlands and ancient petrified wood create an absorbing drive through deep geological time. Stop often enough to appreciate the details, from mineral colors to traces of earlier people and roads.

Sunlit Painted Desert hills of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area
Sunrise and sunset are favorite times to view the colorful Painted Desert of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area
NPS Photo · Photography credit
Sunset lights up the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark west side.
Sunset lights up the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark west side.
NPS Photo · Photography credit
BUILD YOUR OWN PARK DAY

Places to consider

  • 01Painted Desert overlooks
  • 02Giant Logs
  • 03Blue Mesa area

Choose the stops that suit your time and your party. These are ideas for exploring, rather than a fixed itinerary or a promise that every road, trail or facility will be open.

Before you set out

Collecting petrified wood is prohibited. Check road access and leave enough time to exit within current operating hours.

Give the day room

Allow time for the approach, parking and breaks. Pick walks for the least mobile members of your party, and leave space for weather or a change of plans.

Bring your group

Confirm vehicle access, drop-off and parking with the park. Check any guided tours, transport and accessibility arrangements before fixing the rest of the itinerary.

Official park visitor guide ↗Current conditions ↗

Check the official NPS guide for current access, fees, passes, reservations and permits. Gateway names identify useful surrounding communities or access areas, not exact entrance directions. Photographs may show earlier seasons or conditions.