The Ultimate Guide to Petrified Forest National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Petrified Forest National Park protects approximately 230 square miles of desert shrubland and colorful badlands. This national park protects a 225-million-year-old petrified forest, a wealth of fossils, and 350 archaeological sites of Native Americans. Each year, over 600,000 visitors come to this national park to discover the mesmerizing story this park has to tell. 

How To Get to Petrified Forest National Park

Where Is Petrified Forest National Park?

Petrified Forest National Park is an Arizona park located in the northeastern area of the state. This national park is located along the infamous historic Route 66. Petrified Forest National Park stretches over 221,390 acres of desert shrubland and badland landscapes.

Nearest Airports to Petrified Forest National Park

Several airports can be utilized when visiting Petrified Forest National Park. Major airports are located in the big cities near the park, but some smaller airports are even closer. Let’s explore the nearest airports to Petrified Forest National Park to see which would work best for your travels.

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

Albuquerque International Sunport is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 226 miles from Petrified Forest National Park. This airport is an option that is frequently used by visitors traveling to this national park. 

ABQ offers nonstop flights to over 20 destinations, each with worldwide connections. This airport services 8 major carriers, including Advanced Air, Alaska, American, Delta, and United.  

Several rental car centers at ABQ service a long list of companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. The rental car service personnel are happy to help you with your journey to Petrified Forest National Park.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest option for flying to Petrified Forest National Park. This airport is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, about 90 minutes from the park.

FLG offers flights to and from Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth. This airport exclusively services American and United. There are several car rental agencies at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport to help you travel to Petrified Forest National Park. 

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is approximately 200 miles from Petrified Forest National Park. This distance takes a little over 3 hours to drive. Many visitors to this national park choose to fly into PHX. 

Several well-known airlines are serviced by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, including Allegiant, American, Southwest, and Spirit. This airport offers nonstop flights to dozens of locations around the U.S. and countless connecting flights to locations worldwide.

Hot Tip:

Renting a car is a breeze at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Over 10 rental car companies are available for reserving to continue the last leg of your journey to Petrified Forest National Park.

Driving to Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park has 2 entrances that can be utilized to access the park. The north entrance can be entered by taking Exit 311 on I-40. The southern entrance can be accessed by Highway 180 South. Either entrance can be used to access the main road that travels through Petrified Forest National Park.

Getting Around Petrified Forest National Park

The best way to get around Petrified Forest National Park is by car or bicycle. The main park road is 29 miles long and has many places to stop and admire the views along the way. Biking is permitted on this road if cyclists follow the road regulations. The park’s website offers a variety of printable and interactive maps to help you plan your itinerary and stops during your adventures.

What To See and Do in Petrified Forest National Park

There is so much to see and do in Petrified Forest National Park. From museums and visitor centers to geocaching and hiking, you will have a phenomenal time visiting this national park. Let’s explore the top activities and sites at Petrified Forest National Park.

Geocaching

Geocaching is an exciting way to explore Petrified Forest National Park. This park has several types of caches available for adventurers, including virtual, traditional, and earth caches. This activity is like a real-life treasure hunt.

Players can find hidden treasures throughout the park using a GPS-enabled device. Once a geocache is found, visitors must sign a log inside the container and return it for the next adventurer. One of the most exciting traditional caches in the park is the Historic Route 66 Geocaching Project. This cache was designed by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.

Guided Tours

Petrified Forest National Park has a variety of guided activities and tours available for visitors who want to explore the park. These guided hikes range from easy to strenuous and take visitors through many of the fantastic areas of the park.

There are 10 different guided hikes to choose from that take you to several different places throughout the park. Some popular guided hikes include the Devil’s Playground Hike in the backcountry, the Starving Man Hike, and the Rainbow Forest Basketmaker Village. A park ranger is the guide and will share lots of information about the natural and cultural history of the park.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is an exciting way to explore Petrified Forest National Park. This activity is reserved for the wilderness areas, meaning you will have miles and miles of wide open spaces for riding and taking in the beauty of the park.

The desert ecosystem is primarily flat and easy for riding. There are some places along the way that are steep and unstable and require leading the horse down on foot. Plenty of wilderness campsites are available should you and your horse decide to stay in the wilderness overnight. These campsites are limited to 8 people and 4 horses.

Horseback riding is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and wonder of Petrified Forest National Park. If you decide to take part in this magical experience, be sure to stick to the dry areas and do your part to protect the desert ecosystem, which is so fragile.

Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark

The Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark is located at Kachina Point. Long ago, this inn was a place for travelers to rest along the historic Route 66. Today this inn serves as a museum, gallery space, and visitor center.

Painted Desert Inn offers beautiful views of the desert landscape and access to the Painted Desert Rim Trail and Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. This is an excellent place for visitors to stop to learn about the park and see beautiful exhibits showcasing the history of the park.

Painted Desert Visitor Center

The Painted Desert Visitor Center is open year-round and has many services for visitors to the park. This visitor center is located in the historic Painted Desert Community Complex. Guests can speak with park staff and have questions answered, purchase permits, and take a look at the many exhibits on display, or shop at the gift shop.

The Painted Desert Visitor Center also has the Plants of the Historic Plaza for guests to admire and a museum demonstration lab where several events occur throughout the year.

Hot Tip:

This visitor center is the trailhead for the Tawa Trail. It has a short walking trail with informative signs showcasing the park’s significant points of interest.

Petrified Wood

One of the top sights to see at Petrified Forest National Park is the petrified wood. You won’t want to miss this incredible sight during your visit. Petrified wood is a type of fossil. It forms over a long time when minerals replace the wood and leave beautiful, crystal-like remnants behind. The wood found in this park is now made up of nearly solid quartz.

There are several places to view the petrified wood in the park. The highest concentrations of petrified wood are found in the park’s southern section. Some of the most amazing places to view the petrified wood in the park are along the Long Logs, Agate House, and Giant Logs Trails. Seeing the petrified wood in person is an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime. It will simply take your breath away.

Puerco Pueblo

Puerco Pueblo is 11 miles from the north entrance of Petrified Forest National Park. This is the only Puebloan village that is open to the public. This site beautifully tells the story of the ancient tribes who made their home in this park area over 700 years ago.

Today, Petrified Forest National Park visitors can walk through the site and learn from exhibits that line the area of Puerco Pueblo. Visitors can also see petroglyphs in this area. These ancient rock drawings tell stories of the past. There are also several artifacts from the village, including pitchers and bowls. 

To better understand the people who originally made their home in Petrified Forest National Park, you won’t want to miss a visit to Puerco Pueblo.

Rainbow Forest Museum

The Rainbow Forest Museum is part of the historic buildings in the Rainbow Forest Complex. This museum is located near the southern entrance of the park.

Rainbow Forest Museum is a visitor center as well as a museum. Guests can have their questions answered when visiting this area of the park. There are plenty of exhibits showing skeleton displays of prehistoric animals as well as other paleontological exhibits.

Visitors can shop at the gift shop on site, enjoy a picnic in the nearby pavilion, purchase items in the bookstore, and watch an informative park movie. Rainbow Forest Museum offers easy access to many trails in the park, including Giant Logs, Agate House, and Long Logs.

Route 66 Alignment

Petrified Forest National Park showcases a glimpse into the past with its Route 66 Alignment. This park area has a line of old telephone poles that makes the roadbed of the historic Route 66. There is also a 1932 Studebaker that sits where this highway once cut through the park. This is one of the most popular attractions in Petrified Forest National Park.

Trails

Hiking through Petrified Forest National Park is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and wonder of the park. Several miles of trails are available for visitors who’d like to explore different areas of the park. Most of the courses are paved, and there is a trail for everyone to enjoy. 

The trails take visitors to many of the major attractions in the park. Some of these trails include the Blue Mesa Trail, the Crystal Forest Trail, the Puerco Pueblo Trail, and the Painted Desert Rim Trail. The views seen from each of these trails are absolutely stunning. 

For visitors who want to venture off the beaten path, there is plenty of opportunity for off-trail adventure. The park has many miles of wilderness hiking available throughout the park that showcase the Painted Desert, Devil’s Playground, and Petrified Forest backcountry.

Bottom Line:

No matter if you hike on a developed trail or in the wilderness, you can rest assured that exploring the park on foot is the best way to see the magnificent beauty of Petrified Forest National Park.

Best Times To Visit Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park will bring you remarkable memories that will last a lifetime any time you can visit. If there are particular activities you hope to enjoy during your trip, there are better times than others to plan a visit.

Best Time To Visit Petrified Forest National Park in Winter

For visitors who enjoy the winter weather and winter sports, you should plan a trip to Petrified Forest National Park in March. The park is starting to get warmer temperatures in March, with lows in the upper 20s and highs reaching the upper 60s. March is an excellent winter month for enjoying the hiking opportunities in Petrified Forest National Park. 

Best Time To Visit Petrified Forest National Park To Avoid the Crowds

A solitary experience at Petrified Forest National Park will be remembered forever. The least crowded month at this national park is November. The temperatures are beginning to drop, and the colder weather typically deters visitors, making this a perfect time for you to visit. A less crowded park experience is always much more enjoyable, so if this is what you seek, a November trip to Petrified Forest National Park will be right up your alley.

Best Time To Visit Petrified Forest National Park for Wildlife

If you love to see wildlife during your national park vacations, you will want to visit Petrified Forest National Park during the month of April. The beginning of spring is a spectacular time to see the animals becoming more active in the park. The temperatures are also enjoyable, with lows reaching the mid-30s and highs reaching 70 degrees.

Bottom Line:

With comfortable temperatures and wildlife at its most active, an April visit to Petrified Forest National Park will be an exceptional time to visit.

Cheapest Time To Visit Petrified Forest National Park

The most affordable time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is early to mid-September. A September trip to this park will also bring cheaper flights and lodging at this time of year. Since school has returned to session, there is a great chance you will also see fewer crowds. September is a great time to visit Petrified Forest National Park and save money at the same time. 

Annual Events in Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park hosts events regularly throughout the year. Let’s look at some of the yearly events in Petrified Forest National Park to see if you’d like to join during your vacation. 

National Fossil Day

National Fossil Day takes place in Petrified Forest National Park each October. This event features several activities and events in the park.

The majority of the events take place at the Museum Demonstration Lab. Visitors can see unique fossils that have been found in the park. Paleontologists showcase their work while preparing fossils on site. Other activities include chats with scientists, live microscope feeds, and online activities for guests who cannot attend.

This event is a great way to learn about the study of fossils and check out some of the incredible fossils that have been found in Petrified Forest National Park.

National Park Week

National Park Week is celebrated in Petrified Forest National Park each April. This is an excellent time to visit the park with friends and family. The National Park Service waives all entry fees to the park during this week.

The park hosts a variety of programs and workshops, as well as guided hikes and demonstrations during this week. This is an incredible time to learn about the rich cultural and natural history of Petrified Forest National Park.

Volcano Week

Volcano Week takes place each year in February. During this special week, the park celebrates how volcanoes helped to form Petrified Forest National Park.

Each year during this special event, park visitors can learn how the wood became petrified from the volcanic ash. There are many talks and guided tours that help visitors to make connections from these amazing volcanic tails to the petrified forest.

Youth Conservation Corps

Each summer, from June to July, Petrified Forest National Park hires up to 10 students ages 15 to 19 to work on several projects and participate in many learning opportunities there.

The Youth Conservation Corps program allows students to learn about the environmental and archaeological preservation, career opportunities, and resource management of public lands. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about Petrified Forest National Park while earning an income to put towards furthering their education.

Where To Stay in Petrified Forest National Park

When planning any kind of vacation, one of the first decisions is where to stay during your trip. Petrified Forest National Park has an opportunity for wilderness camping on the park’s property. Still, it is also in a great location, so if you prefer a more traditional indoor stay, you can choose from one of the nearby towns. Check out the options for lodging in and near Petrified Forest National Park.

Inside the Park

Camping in the backcountry is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of Petrified Forest National Park. The only option for lodging inside this national park is to set up camp under the stars. All campsites are in the backcountry. These campsites are exclusively for primitive tent camping. 

If you choose to camp in the park, obtaining a backpacking wilderness permit is essential. These permits are free and available at the Painted Desert Visitor Center or the Rainbow Forest Museum. 

Towns Near Petrified Forest National Park

There are some towns nearby with several options for accommodations and dining, and a bit further down the road are bigger cities with a wider variety of restaurants, lodging options, and activities. Let’s look at some of the towns close to Petrified Forest National Park and see which will work best for your vacation needs. 

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is an excellent option for setting up a home base during your Petrified Forest National Park vacation. This town is 115 miles from the national park and has many accommodations, dining, and recreation options. Flagstaff has a variety of options for lodgings. There are traditional chain hotels, budget motels, charming bed, and breakfasts, and campgrounds. 

Food enthusiasts are in for a culinary treat when dining in Flagstaff. This town is filled with a wide variety of restaurants around every corner. From authentic cultural cuisine to American comfort foods, you can rest assured that you will find precisely what your taste buds crave.

This city is thriving with recreation opportunities. Visitors to this town enjoy the outdoor adventure that abounds, including mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, and boating. Should you visit during the winter months, this city is incredible for skiing in snowboarding.

Other than outdoor adventure, Flagstaff has lots of history to explore. Travelers enjoy the Route 66 museums, attractions, and Native American and Old West experiences. There’s also an abundance of one-of-a-kind shops for shopping enthusiasts.

Bottom Line:

While Flagstaff is a bit of a drive from Petrified Forest National Park, it is well worth the journey. This town has everything you could need and more.

Holbrook, Arizona

Holbrook is the closest town to Petrified Forest National Park. This town is just under 20 miles from the park. Holbrook is a great place to set up a home away from home during a Petrified Forest National Park vacation.

There are several unique options for lodging, including hotels and campgrounds, and one of the most exciting options is a historic village of wigwams. There are many things to do for entertainment in Holbrook, including visiting the town’s museum and taking a walking tour of the city to see historic sites like the Blevins House and the Bucket of Blood Saloon. 

If you need to grab a bite to eat, Holbrook has you covered with all kinds of cuisines at the ready. This town is filled with family-owned restaurants prepared to serve you an unforgettable culinary creation. Whether you crave Italian, Mexican, Chinese, or classic American fare, you will find the perfect solution to your hunger in Holbrook. 

With its proximity to Petrified Forest National Park, dozens of restaurants, unique lodging opportunities, and exciting recreation activities, Holbrook is an excellent choice for setting up a base camp during your national park vacation. 

Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona

Pinetop-Lakeside is a favorite city for lodging just 68 miles from Petrified Forest National Park. This unique town has abundant lodging opportunities, restaurants, and outdoor adventure. Pinetop-Lakeside has a variety of accommodations, including cabins, hotels, and resorts. In fact, Pinetop-Lakeside has received an award for being the #1 Cabin Region in the U.S. 

This fantastic town has a multitude of options for dining. From pasta houses to authentic cultural cuisine, and from homestyle cafes to gourmet restaurants, Pinetop-Lakeside has something for every palate. Most of the restaurants in this town are family-owned and one-of-a-kind, making dining in the area a true culinary event. 

There’s no shortage of activity in Pinetop-Lakeside. This town has vibrant blue skies, giant pine trees, and clear, sparkling water in the White Mountains. Outdoor activities are abundant, including biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and hiking. There are over 180 miles of developed trails throughout the area for outdoor adventure.

For visitors who prefer other activities, there are many places for shopping, spa and wellness centers, art and history museums, and nightclubs for enjoying live music. Pinetop-Lakeside is well worth the drive to and from Petrified Forest National Park. You can’t go wrong if you choose to make this town your home base during your vacation. 

Where To Eat in Petrified Forest National Park

There are no restaurants in Petrified Forest National Park, but there are plenty of beautiful areas to set up a picnic in the park. For those who want to dine somewhere near the park, there are plenty of options just down the road. Let’s take a look at some of the top-ranked restaurants near Petrified Forest National Park.

Bienvenidos Restaurant

Bienvenidos Restaurant is just under 20 minutes from Petrified Forest National Park in Holbrook. This restaurant is one of the top-rated restaurants near the park.

The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a menu of steaks, burgers, and beer. Guest favorites include smoked brisket, shrimp fajitas, and pasta dishes. 

Bottom Line:

No matter what you are craving, you can find something to hit the spot at Bienvenidos Restaurant.

Camaleon Café

Camaleon Café is a locally-owned Mexican restaurant that is located in Holbrook. This restaurant is approximately 20 minutes from Petrified Forest National Park. 

A wonderful breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu is served each day. Guests love the huevos rancheros, chili relleno, and tacos. If you find your stomach grumbling while visiting Petrified Forest National Park, you’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from a delicious meal at Camaleon Café.

Mesa Grill and Sports Bar

Mesa Grill and Sports Bar is located 20 miles from Petrified Forest National Park. This restaurant is a great place to stop for a delicious meal and an exciting atmosphere. 

Open for dine-in or takeout meals 7 days a week for dinner, the restaurant features an impressive menu of freshly made steakhouse specialties and a drink menu that goes on for days. Some of the favorite meals of locals and visitors include BBQ pork ribs, New York strip steak, and the fish dinner.

Mesa Grill and Sports Bar has something for every palate. For a night of good food and entertainment, be sure to stop by this restaurant.

Mesa Italiana Restaurant

Mesa Italiana Restaurant is about 18 minutes from Petrified Forest National Park. This restaurant is an authentic Italian restaurant that serves lunch and dinner daily. 

The restaurant serves an extensive menu of Italian classics made with the freshest spices, herbs, and vegetables. Some of the most popular specialties at Mesa Italiana Restaurant include spaghetti bowls, meat lasagna, chicken cacciatore, and salmon a la piccata.

Mesa Italiana Restaurant has been serving its signature creations for over 25 years. For a lovely Italian experience during your Petrified Forest National Park Trip, you will want to make sure to treat your tastebuds to a gourmet specialty at Mesa Italiana Restaurant. 

Tom and Suzie’s Diner

Tom and Suzie’s Diner is a family diner about 20 minutes from Petrified Forest National Park. Stepping into this diner is like stepping back in time with favorite oldies music and classic dishes.

The diner is open daily from early in the morning until late at night for dinners. Their menu features tried and true diner specialties like chicken fried steak, burgers, onion rings, and fries. Many diners rave about the open-face roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, the French dip, and the homemade pie. 

If you find yourself with a craving for classic comfort foods, be sure to visit Tom and Suzie’s Diner for a meal you won’t forget.

Petrified Forest National Park Facts

1. A New National Park

Petrified Forest National Park was established on December 9, 1962. Prior to earning the title of a U.S. national park, this area was called Petrified Forest National Monument. Theodore Roosevelt declared this area a national monument on December 8, 1906. 

2. Record Winning Forests

Petrified Forest National Park protects one of the world’s largest collections of petrified forests. Other places with extensive petrified forests include Egypt, Argentina, and North Dakota. 

3. Prehistoric People

The Petrified Forest National Park area has been home to many groups throughout history. Starting as early as 13,500 to 6,000 B.C.E., groups made their home in this area and used petrified wood to produce various stone tools.

The first group believed to live in this area was the Paleoindian group. Later, other groups came along, including the Archaic, Basketmaker, and Pueblo Indians.

4. National Register of Historic Places

Nearly a dozen sites in Petrified Forest National Park have made their way to the National Register of Historic Places. These historical places include the Painted Desert Inn, the Agate House Pueblo, the Painted Desert Petroglyphs and Ruins Archeological District, and the Twin Buttes Archeological District. 

5. An Abundance of Animals

Many animals make their home in Petrified Forest National Park. Some of these animals only come out at dawn or dusk, and others are active during the day. The most common animals seen at Petrified Forest National Park include lizards, rabbits, birds, and snakes. Other animals that have been spotted in this park include the tiger salamander, tarantulas, and scorpions. 

6. A Plethora of Plants

Petrified Forest National Park has a beautiful variety of plants, flowers, and trees. The plants in this environment have unique adaptations to help them survive extreme temperatures and precipitation. Some plants that can be admired in this park include purple aster flowers, prickly pear cacti with their bright yellow blooms, and stunning cobalt blue larkspur flowers. 

7. The Origin of the Colors

The petrified wood seen at Petrified Forest National Park features a wide variety of striking colors. These colors come from trace minerals such as pure quartz, which gives a white color, and manganese oxides that show off brilliant blue, purple, black, and brown. Iron oxide is another mineral that provides the wood with a bright red, yellow, brown, or black color.

8. Formed by Natural Forces

Erosion has helped to form Petrified Forest National Park. Other natural forces and events that have helped to shape this area include mudslides, floods, and plate tectonic shifting. 

9. Fossils Galore

Paleontologists have found many fossils in Petrified Forest National Park. Some incredible fossils that have been found in this park include bones and skulls. Visitors can stop at the Museum Demonstration Lab to watch paleontologists prepare different fossils and projects.

10. Original Trees

The original trees of the Petrified Forest were coniferous, tree ferns, and ginkgoes before they became petrified. Scientists predict there are a dozen different types of trees in total but have yet to describe them formally.

11. A Locked Park?

Petrified Forest National Park is one of the few national parks in the U.S. with gates closed and locked daily. Most national parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but this national park has to lock up each day to prevent others from stealing the petrified wood from the park. Unfortunately, this is a serious problem that has occurred in the past, so to deter theft, the park must lock up each night.

12. A Historic Highway

Route 66 goes through Petrified Forest National Park. This park is the only national park with a section of this historic highway running through it.

13. Cut Trees?

Many people wonder why it looks like the petrified trees have been cut with a chainsaw. In all actuality, these trees have never been cut but have naturally broken and fallen over time. The quartz that makes up these petrified trees is very hard and very brittle. The petrified wood easily fractures when under stress.

As the Colorado Plateau gradually lifted 60 million years ago, the trees were subjected to so much stress they began breaking like glass rods. While these trees appear to have been cut with a chainsaw, the truth is that they naturally broke over time. 

Final Thoughts

Petrified Forest National Park is a land filled with stunning sights, history, and culture. The sweeping landscapes and stunning views will simply take your breath away. Book your trip to Petrified Forest National Park and discover the magic that is waiting for you.