Petrified Forest National Park Arizona Visitor Guide
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Explore Petrified Forest National Park & The Painted Desert
Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona protects one of the world's most remarkable concentrations of colorful petrified wood along with Painted Desert badlands, Late Triassic fossils, petroglyphs, archaeological sites and remnants of historic Route 66. A scenic park road connects the north and south entrances, with overlooks, museums, trails and roadside stops throughout the park.
More than 200 million years ago, this region was part of a vast river system near the equator. Fallen trees were carried by waterways, buried beneath sediment and gradually mineralized as silica and other minerals replaced the original wood. Today those ancient logs, together with fossils of plants, reptiles, amphibians and early dinosaurs, preserve an exceptional record of the Late Triassic world.
- Petrified Forest Quick Facts
- How Petrified Wood Formed
- Best Areas To Explore
- Hiking & Trails
- Route 66 & Cultural History
- Best Time To Visit
- Directions & Park Hours
- Nearby Attractions
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
Petrified Forest National Park Quick Facts
- Location: Northeastern Arizona east of Holbrook
- Landscape: High desert, badlands, grasslands and Painted Desert
- Geologic age: Much of the park's fossil record dates to the Late Triassic Period
- Petrified wood: More than 200 million years old
- Major formation: Chinle Formation
- Popular areas: Blue Mesa, Jasper Forest, Crystal Forest and Rainbow Forest
- Other highlights: Petroglyphs, fossils, archaeological sites and historic Route 66
- Primary road: Scenic park road connecting Interstate 40 and U.S. 180
- Typical park hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM MST
- Annual closures: Thanksgiving and Christmas
Arizona's Petrified Forest & Painted Desert
Petrified Forest National Park lies in northeastern Arizona east of Holbrook and encompasses colorful badlands, high-desert grasslands and part of the Painted Desert. The park protects one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of mineralized fossil wood in the world.
Beyond petrified logs, visitors can see layered badlands, mesas, fossils, archaeological sites, petroglyphs and expansive desert views. The Painted Desert occupies much of the northern portion of the park and is an integral part of the same protected landscape.
Petrified Forest National Park preserves an exceptional Late Triassic fossil record dating back more than 200 million years. Fossils include ancient plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles and early dinosaurs, while active paleontological research continues to reveal new information about the ecosystems that once occupied this region.
People have lived in and traveled through this region for thousands of years. Archaeological sites, ancestral Pueblo structures and petroglyphs throughout the park preserve evidence of those earlier cultures. Puerco Pueblo and Newspaper Rock are among the most accessible places to see cultural resources, and visitors should never touch, trace or alter rock art.
How Petrified Wood Was Formed
More than 200 million years ago, trees growing along large river systems fell or were washed into waterways and accumulated in channels and log jams. Rapid burial beneath sediment and debris reduced exposure to oxygen and slowed normal decay.
Groundwater carrying dissolved silica from volcanic ash moved through the buried wood. Over long periods, silica crystallized within the cellular structure and gradually replaced the original organic material, creating stone replicas of the trees.
Pure quartz is generally colorless or white, while trace minerals create the brilliant colors seen in many petrified logs. Iron compounds can produce yellow, red and brown hues, while manganese can contribute blue, purple, black and darker tones.
Petrified Forest Video
Best Areas To Explore Petrified Wood
Blue Mesa
Blue Mesa is known for striped blue, gray, purple and green badlands along with scattered petrified wood. A scenic loop road provides overlooks, while the Blue Mesa Trail descends into the colorful formations for a closer view of the landscape.
Jasper Forest
Jasper Forest contains a high concentration of petrified wood spread across a broad badland valley. The main overlook provides an easy view, while experienced visitors can explore the historic Jasper Forest road alignment using the park's designated off-the-beaten-path route.
Crystal Forest
Crystal Forest features abundant petrified logs along an established trail. Some specimens contain quartz crystals that formed in cracks and cavities within the fossilized wood.
Rainbow Forest
Rainbow Forest at the south end of the park contains some of the park's most concentrated petrified wood and includes Rainbow Forest Museum. Nearby trails lead through Giant Logs, Long Logs and Agate House areas.
Hiking & Trails In Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest offers short developed trails, scenic walks and longer off-the-beaten-path routes. Popular stops include Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, Long Logs, Puerco Pueblo and Painted Desert overlooks.
- Blue Mesa: Colorful badlands and petrified wood
- Crystal Forest: Easy access to abundant petrified logs
- Giant Logs: Large petrified logs near Rainbow Forest Museum
- Long Logs: Extensive concentration of fossilized trees
- Puerco Pueblo: Archaeological site and nearby petroglyphs
- Jasper Forest: Scenic overlook plus an off-the-beaten-path hiking option
Leave Petrified Wood In The Park
Removing petrified wood, fossils, archaeological objects, plants or other natural resources from Petrified Forest National Park is prohibited. Leave everything where you find it so future visitors and researchers can experience these resources in their original setting.
Route 66, Archaeology & Cultural History
Historic Route 66 once crossed what is now Petrified Forest National Park, and remnants of the famous highway remain visible near the park road. Cultural resources throughout the park also document thousands of years of human history, including ancestral Pueblo sites and extensive petroglyphs.
Puerco Pueblo, Newspaper Rock and Painted Desert Inn are among the park's most significant cultural stops and provide a broader understanding of the landscape beyond its geology and fossils.
Getting To Petrified Forest National Park
The north entrance to Petrified Forest National Park is directly off Interstate 40 at Exit 311. The south entrance is reached from U.S. Highway 180 southeast of Holbrook. The park road connects the two entrances, allowing visitors to drive through the park without backtracking.
Plan enough time for scenic overlooks, short hikes, museums and roadside stops rather than treating the park road only as a through-route.
Typical park road hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. Petrified Forest National Park is normally open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours and facility schedules can change, so confirm current conditions with the National Park Service before visiting.
Best Time To Visit Petrified Forest
- Spring: Mild temperatures and generally comfortable hiking conditions.
- Summer: Hot afternoons, strong sun and seasonal thunderstorms; start hikes early and carry plenty of water.
- Fall: Comfortable temperatures, clear skies and excellent conditions for scenic driving and photography.
- Winter: Cold mornings and occasional snow can occur, but winter often brings lighter crowds and dramatic desert scenery.
Area Map of Petrified Forest National Park. Petrified Forest National Park stretches north and south between Interstate 40 and Highway 180.
Things To Do Near Petrified Forest National Park
- Explore Holbrook for lodging, dining and Route 66 history
- Visit Painted Desert overlooks throughout the northern park
- See the historic Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
- Explore Rainbow Forest Museum and the park's fossil exhibits
- Visit historic Route 66 markers inside the park
- Continue west to Winslow and Standin' on the Corner Park
- Visit Homolovi State Park near Winslow
- Continue east toward Gallup, New Mexico for Native American art and regional history
Nearby Cities & Travel Bases
- Holbrook: Closest major lodging and service community west of the park
- Flagstaff: Major northern Arizona destination west of the park
- Show Low: Mountain community south of the park
- Gallup, New Mexico: Regional destination east of the park
- Albuquerque, New Mexico: Major city farther east along Interstate 40
- Phoenix: Major metropolitan gateway several hours southwest of the park
Petrified Forest Visitor Tips
- Allow several hours if you plan to stop at overlooks, museums and trails.
- Carry plenty of drinking water, especially during warm weather.
- Bring sun protection because shade is limited on many trails.
- Stay on established trails where required and protect fragile soils.
- Do not remove petrified wood, fossils or archaeological objects.
- Never touch, trace or make rubbings of petroglyphs.
- Check current park hours before arrival because entrance gates close each evening.
- Allow extra time for Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest and Rainbow Forest.
- Watch weather forecasts for summer thunderstorms and winter snow.
- Use Holbrook as a convenient base for lodging, fuel and meals.
Petrified Forest National Park FAQ
Where Is Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona east of Holbrook, with entrances from Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 180.
How Old Is The Petrified Wood?
Much of the park's petrified wood dates to the Late Triassic Period more than 200 million years ago.
How Was The Petrified Wood Formed?
Ancient trees were buried by river sediment and gradually mineralized as silica-rich groundwater replaced the original wood with quartz and other minerals.
Is The Painted Desert Inside Petrified Forest National Park?
Yes. A large section of the Painted Desert is protected within the northern portion of Petrified Forest National Park.
Can You Take Petrified Wood From The Park?
No. Removing petrified wood, fossils, archaeological objects or other natural resources from the national park is prohibited.
How Long Does It Take To Visit Petrified Forest?
A drive through the park can be completed in a few hours, but visitors who hike, visit museums and stop at major overlooks should allow more time.
What Are The Best Places To See Petrified Wood?
Popular areas include Rainbow Forest, Giant Logs, Long Logs, Crystal Forest, Jasper Forest and Blue Mesa.
Are There Hiking Trails In Petrified Forest?
Yes. The park offers developed trails and longer off-the-beaten-path routes through badlands, petrified wood areas and archaeological landscapes.
Is Petrified Forest Open Year-Round?
The park is generally open year-round but normally closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Daily operating hours can change.
Does Historic Route 66 Cross Petrified Forest?
Yes. Historic Route 66 once crossed the park, and remnants and interpretive displays commemorate the highway today.
More Petrified Forest & Painted Desert Information
- Painted Desert Arizona
- Magic In The Painted Desert
- Ancient People Of The Petrified Forest
- Petrified Forest Map & Directions
- Petrified Forest & Painted Desert Photos
- Historic Route 66 In Arizona
- Northern Arizona Destinations
- Flagstaff Arizona
