Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a remarkable destination celebrated for its breathtaking displays of petrified wood, strikingly colorful badlands, and a rich variety of plant and animal life. This park is not only visually stunning; it is also a sanctuary for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and geology fans. So, whether you seek a relaxing day surrounded by nature, an educational experience, or a chance to explore the wonders of the past, Petrified Forest National Park promises a memorable adventure for every visitor.
This guide provides essential information on park access, dining options, a detailed one-day itinerary, and tips to help you make the most of your visit. Prepare to embark on a journey through time as you discover the beauty and history of Petrified Forest National Park!
Entrance Fee
$25 for a 7-day vehicle pass
Another option, especially if you plan on visiting Arizona’s other national parks, is an America the Beautiful Pass. It covers the entrance fees for over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks. It also makes your entrance into most parks a little quicker😊 If you have a 4th grader in your crew, check out Every Kid Outdoors to get a free National Park Pass instead!
Lodging
There is no RV, car, or front-country camping in Petrified Forest National Park. Backcountry camping is available with a permit. Permits can be obtained in person, at either Visitor Center, until 4:30 pm.
Check out the city of Holbrook for hotels or camping outside the park. I highly recommend the La Quinta Inn & Suites if you plan on staying in a hotel.
Dining
At the northern end of the park is the Painted Inn Diner. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We had lunch there, and it was fantastic! A breakfast and lunch menu can be found here: Painted Desert Diner. Additionally, you can enjoy ice cream just down the road at the Historic Painted Desert Inn. At the southern end of the park, the Rainbow Forest Lodge offers a small selection of snacks and lunch-to-go options.
Must Know Before You Go
- If you travel during the summer, the biggest obstacle will be the unrelenting heat in a park with almost no shade. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
- Park hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the park is closed. Please note that Arizona and the park do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- This itinerary may seem extensive, but it’s totally manageable! We reached the park by 8 a.m. and wrapped up our adventure by 3 p.m., and that’s even including lunch at the Painted Desert Diner.
- There are restrooms at both ends of the park and at the Puerco Pueblo trailhead.
- It is often very windy in the park. Use caution while driving high-profile vehicles and consider bringing eye protection and a gaiter to protect your face from sand while hiking.
1 Day Itinerary
This itinerary begins at the south entrance of the park and ends at the north entrance. If you enter the park at 8 AM, you should arrive at the Visitor Center and Painted Desert Diner in time for a late lunch. Alternatively, you can follow this itinerary in reverse, as both entrances are approximately the same distance from Holbrook.
Rainbow Forest Museum
The Rainbow Forest Museum is just past the south entrance. The former park headquarters has several informative and historical exhibits and is a great way to start your time at Petrified Forest National Park. Fun Fact: This area of Arizona used to sit closer to the equator, so the landscape, farther back than the existence of T Rex, used to be a very green, lush, tropical forest! There was so much cool information in this museum. When you are done learning all you can about the park, head out the museum’s back doors to immediately begin the Giant Logs Trail.
Giant Logs
Distance: 0.4 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Loop
Trail Route: Easy
Elevation Gain: <50 ft
This trail starts just outside the back doors of the Rainbow Forest Museum. There are several ways to navigate this loop, including multiple side trails. I recommend taking the path on your right and walking the loop counterclockwise. This quick and easy trail is filled with large, colorful petrified wood, which is really impressive to see.
Agate House
Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Trail Route: Easy
Elevation Gain: 50 ft
To access the Agate House Trail, leave your vehicle in the Rainbow Museum Lot. From there, walk to the end of the parking lot, past the gift shop building, and cross the bridge over Jim Camp Wash. Just beyond the bridge, you will find the Agate House and Long Logs Trailhead.
Proceed along the old road. When you reach the loop drive at the end, turn right onto the paved path and follow it straight up to the Agate House. Be sure to take a close look at the stunning colors in the petrified wood used to construct the house.
As you return from Agate House, you could add the Long Logs Trail onto your hike. This trail is an easy 0.5 miles long, but if you have already experienced the Giant Logs Trail, including it may not be essential.
Keep in mind that both the Agate Trail and the Long Logs Trail have no shade. While they are relatively easy, paved paths, be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Crystal Forest
Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Loop
Trail Route: Easy
Elevation Gain: <50 ft
The Crystal Forest Trail is approximately 5 miles from the Rainbow Museum parking lot. Before heading out, take a moment to explore the informative plaque at the trailhead, which provides fascinating insights into the area’s history. It’s incredible to think that towering trees, some reaching heights of 200 feet, once thrived there!
Just a short walk from the trailhead, you’ll find a lookout point that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. However, I highly recommend walking the entire, quick, paved path that leads deeper into the area. This easy hike offers a close-up view of the stunning, vibrant petrified wood with colors and textures that are truly breathtaking.
Jasper Forest Overlook
After completing the Crystal Forest Trail, drive 2 miles north on Petrified Forest Road and turn left onto Jasper Forest Road (there will be a sign). This brief stop provides a stunning view of the desert landscape, unique rock formations, and the vivid petrified wood below.
Agate Bridge
After visiting the Jasper Forest Overlook, return to Petrified Forest Road and continue north for 1 mile. The Agate Bridge parking lot will be on your right. From there, take the short path leading down to see the tree, which is over 100 feet long and forms a bridge over an eroded gully. This tree is currently supported by a concrete structure underneath, but it’s still a very cool sight to see.
Blue Mesa Trail
Distance: 1 mile round-trip
Trail Route: Combo, out-and-back with a loop at the end
Trail Route: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100+ ft
If you have time for only one trail in Petrified Forest National Park, I highly recommend this one! It was definitely our crew’s favorite. To reach the trailhead, drive north on Petrified Forest Road for 2 miles, then turn right onto Blue Mesa Scenic Road. Stay to the right at the split to follow the one-way loop. There are several pull-offs for scenic overlooks along the way. The actual trailhead has designated parking spots and a sun shelter just off the lot.
Like most trails in the park, this one is partially paved; however, it is pretty steep as you descend the mesa before flattening out for the loop portion of the trail. Once you reach the bottom, you can take the loop in either direction to enjoy an up-close view of the beautifully painted hills. Be prepared for strong winds on the loop portion of the trail!
Newspaper Rock
From the Blue Mesa Trailhead, return to Petrified Forest Road and head north for 4 miles. The parking lot for Newspaper Rock will be on your left. A short boardwalk leads to an overlook of the rocks below. Newspaper Rock is not just one single rock; there are over 650 petroglyphs spread across many of the smaller rocks below. Be aware that it can get windy at this location, so hold on to your hats and glasses to prevent them from flying away!
Puerco Pueblo
Distance: 0.3 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Loop
Trail Route: Easy
Elevation Gain: <20 ft
From Newspaper Rock, Puerco Pueblo is just one mile north on Petrified Forest Road. The easy, paved loop will take you past what was once a 100-room pueblo over 600 years ago. Along the way, you’ll also find two overlooks where you can get a closer look at several large rocks that contain petroglyphs. While there are not as many petroglyphs as at Newspaper Rock, you’ll get a much closer look at the ones in this area. Please stay on the trail and avoid touching the walls or petroglyphs.
Old Studebaker
Travel another 5 miles north on Petrified Forest Road. As soon as you cross over AZ-40, look for a small parking lot on your left; this is the location of the Old Studebaker. The 1932 car marks where the Historic Route 66 once passed through the park. Fun fact: Petrified Forest National Park is the only national park through which this historic road ran.
Painted Desert Inn/Kachina Point
The Painted Desert Inn and Kachina Point parking area is another 3 miles north on Petrified Forest Road. Head into the famous inn first. Although the building has undergone many structural changes, the interior is still reminiscent of how it would have looked in the 1940s and 1950s. As you walk through the rooms, be sure to stay between the yellow lines to preserve the furnishings in the National Historic Landmark. After checking out the main floor, head down the stairs and exit through the back doors. A short, paved path will lead you to the incredibly colorful views of Kachina Point.
*They do serve ice cream on the bottom level of the inn if you’re looking for a sweet treat😊
Tawa Point
Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Trail Route: Easy
Elevation Gain: <50 ft
Tawa Point is just 0.6 miles from the Painted Desert Inn, making it possible to walk the Painted Desert Rim Trail to Tawa Point and back. If you’re short on time or prefer not to hike, there is an additional parking area at Tawa Point. Regardless of how you choose to get there, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Painted Desert below.
Tiponi Point
Another mile down the road is the last overlook of the day. Tiponi Point features a large parking area and offers a stunning view of the surrounding vibrant red, orange, and brown hills. It is the perfect last look at Petrified Forest National Park.
Visitor Center
The day’s final stop is the Visitor Center, located less than a mile from Tiponi Point. In the same parking lot, there is also a beautiful gift shop and the Painted Desert Diner (if you’re looking for a late lunch).
And that’s the end of one very full day at Petrified Forest National Park.
I hope you have an incredible adventure😊
Looking for another national park itinerary? Check out our Arches National Park Itinerary!
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