Petrified Forest National Park

Triassic trees turned to stone, and the Painted Desert.

A through-road park off I-40: crystal logs, Painted Desert overlooks, and Route 66 scraps. It is easy to underestimate and surprisingly good at golden hour Arizona.

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Location

35.07° N, 109.78° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

March–May, September–November

Trip planner

A Petrified Forest National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Petrified Forest National Park is a U.S. National Park in Arizona. Triassic trees turned to stone, and the Painted Desert.

When to go

March–May, September–November is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with painted Desert rim views. Then crystal Forest walk. If you have a second day, blue Mesa loop. Keep one spare hour for newspaper Rock petroglyphs.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Do not pocket petrified wood. Rangers and federal law are not shy about it.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

Open the long-form guide →

Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Arjun P.

10/10

Start early in Petrified Forest National Park

Blue Mesa loop. Newspaper Rock petroglyphs. Give Petrified Forest National Park days, not hours, and go in March–May. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Apr 6, 2025

James O.

10/10

Petrified Forest National Park is bigger than the postcard

Crystal Forest walk. Triassic trees turned to stone, and the Painted Desert. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. March–May, September–November is the window I would book again.

Mar 5, 2025

Nina P.

8/10

Start early in Petrified Forest National Park

Painted Desert rim views. Crystal Forest walk. Give Petrified Forest National Park days, not hours, and go in March–May. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Feb 4, 2025