Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is famed for its unique fossilized wood that dates back millions of years. It covers an area of approximately 230 square miles, encompassing a vast landscape of colorful badlands, mesas, and petrified logs. The park is situated in the northeastern part of the state, within Navajo and Apache counties.

This national park holds great historical significance as it showcases remnants of an ancient forest that existed during the Late Triassic period, approximately 225 million years ago. These trees were covered with sediment, which over time replaced the organic material with minerals, leading to the formation of petrified wood. Visitors to the park can witness the stunning array of petrified logs, preserved in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and purple.

Aside from its geological wonders, Petrified Forest National Park offers various activities for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most popular attractions is the scenic driving loop along the park's main road, which provides breathtaking views of the unique landscapes and allows for easy access to various trailheads. Hiking trails, such as Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, and Painted Desert Rim, provide opportunities to explore the park's diverse ecosystems and encounter ancient petroglyphs left by indigenous peoples.

For those interested in learning more about the park's history, the Rainbow Forest Museum and the Painted Desert Visitor Center offer exhibits that delve into the geological and cultural aspects of the area. The park is also home to the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark, which showcases the historical development of tourism in the region.

Nearby attractions include the Wigwam Motel, a Route 66 landmark, and the historic La Posada Hotel, known for its stunning architecture and gardens. The Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, located about an hour's drive from the park, provides insight into the unique history and culture of the Navajo people.

In summary, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona boasts a remarkable display of fossilized wood from an ancient forest. With its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, historical sites, and nearby attractions, the park offers visitors a captivating journey through time and nature.

Petrified Forest National Park is situated in northeastern Arizona, in the United States. It spans over 230 square miles within Navajo and Apache counties. The park lies within the high desert region, characterized by its arid and rugged landscape. The park is located on the Colorado Plateau, showcasing breathtaking views of ancient petrified logs that have turned into vibrant and colorful stone over millions of years. Its unique geographical location also places the park along the eastern edge of the Painted Desert, a vast expanse of colorful badlands, creating a surreal and picturesque setting.

Address & Contact

Exit 311
Interstate 40
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028
Driving Directions
Phone: 928-524-6822
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park would be in March or April. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 62°F to 69°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures range from 30°F to 35°F, ensuring comfortable conditions for exploring the park. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 0.4 in to 0.57 in, minimizing the chances of rain disrupting your visit. These months also see moderate visitor counts. Visiting during this timeframe will allow you to enjoy the park without facing large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Petrified Forest National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Self-Guided Tours - Auto Dining Citizen Science Cultural Demonstrations Horse Camping (see also camping) Compass and GPS Geocaching Off-Trail Permitted Hiking Orienteering

Topics

Learn about these topics at Petrified Forest National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Native American Heritage Transportation Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Wilderness Explorers and Expeditions Painting Photography Science, Technology and Innovation Women's History Climate Change Foothills, Plains and Valleys Grasslands Natural Sounds Scenic Views Migrations Social Movements Conservation Movement Roads, Routes and Highways Elk Petrified Wood Thickets and Shrublands Ruins Dinosaur Prairies Homesteading Dunes Hispanic American Heritage Latino American Heritage Trains and Railroads Great Depression Plateaus and Mesas Farming and Agriculture LGB American Heritage

Visitor Centers

Rainbow Forest Museum

Rainbow Forest Museum provides exhibits of petrified wood, fossils, and displays of prehistoric animals as well as information, book sales, and restrooms.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Rainbow Forest Museum.

Campsites within or near Petrified Forest National Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Petrified Forest National Park

Days Inn by Wyndham Holbrook

When you stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Holbrook in Holbrook, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Northland Pioneer College and Navajo County Historical Society Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2601 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Quality Inn Holbrook

With a stay at Quality Inn Holbrook in Holbrook, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Northland Pioneer College and Navajo County Historical Society Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2602 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Golden Inn

With a stay at Golden Inn in Holbrook, you'll be near the airport, just a 1-minute walk from Painted Desert and 10 minutes by foot from Northland Pioneer College. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2596 E. Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Holbrook

A stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Holbrook places you in the heart of Holbrook, steps from Painted Desert and 12 minutes by foot from Northland Pioneer College. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2608 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Best Western Arizonian Inn

With a stay at Best Western Arizonian Inn in Holbrook, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Painted Desert and 7 minutes by foot from Northland Pioneer College. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2508 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham Holbrook

With a stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Holbrook in Holbrook, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Painted Desert and Northland Pioneer College. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2418 East Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Motel 6 Holbrook, AZ

With a stay at Motel 6 Holbrook, AZ in Holbrook, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Painted Desert and 8 minutes by foot from Northland Pioneer College. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2514 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Sahara Inn

With a stay at Sahara Inn in Holbrook, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Painted Desert and 11 minutes by foot from Northland Pioneer College. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2402 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

Econo Lodge I-40 exit 286 Holbrook

Located in Holbrook, Econo Lodge I-40 exit 286 Holbrook is just steps from Painted Desert and 3 minutes by foot from Northland Pioneer College. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2211 Navajo Blvd., Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest

With a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest in Holbrook, you'll be steps from Painted Desert and a 2-minute drive from Northland Pioneer College. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2705 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, Arizona 86025
Web: Link