Petrified Forest National Park Travel Guide

Discover all the must-visit places, food and drink scene, where to stay, hiking and biking routes, local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options and nearby destinations


Introduction to Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is a unique and fascinating destination located in eastern Arizona, United States. The park covers over 146,000 acres and is known for its breathtaking scenery, ancient petroglyphs, and petrified wood. The park showcases the remains of giant trees that lived more than 200 million years ago, before being transformed by mineral-laden waters into solid stone. It is also home to an array of plant and animal life, including pronghorns, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.

List of Places to Visit in Petrified Forest National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The park has two main visitor centers, the Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum, as well as several smaller museums and historic sites. The Rainbow Forest Museum is home to the park’s largest collection of petrified wood specimens and offers a range of exhibits on the geological history and cultural heritage of the area. The Painted Desert Visitor Center features exhibits on the area’s ecology and geology, as well as interpretive displays on the Native American tribes who have lived in the area for centuries. Other historic sites in the park include the Agate House, a well-preserved pueblo village, and the Newspaper Rock Petroglyphs, a collection of ancient rock carvings.

Natural Attractions of Petrified Forest National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, with sweeping vistas of colorful rocks, sandstone formations, and towering canyons. Visitors can explore the park by taking scenic drives along the various routes, including the 28-mile Petrified Forest Loop Road, which winds through the park’s most spectacular geological formations. The park also offers numerous hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Some must-visit places include Crystal Forest Trail, Long Logs Trail, Giant Logs Trail, Blue Mesa Trail, and Puerco Pueblo Trail.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Petrified National Park

Crystal Forest Trail

This 0.75-mile trail features an abundance of petrified wood, some of which are over 200 million years old.

Long Logs Trail

The Long Logs Trail, a 1-mile hike, passes by one of the longest and largest petrified logs in the park.

Giant Logs Trail

Starting from the same trailhead as the Long Logs Trail, this trail is just under a mile long and offers some of the largest petrified trees in the park.

Blue Mesa Trail

The 1-mile Blue Mesa Trail features colorful badlands, scenic views of the Painted Desert, and ancient petroglyphs.

Puerco Pueblo Trail

The Puerco Pueblo Trail takes hikers past several archeological sites, including large petroglyphs, and the ruins of Ancestral Puebloan villages. This 0.3-mile walk is a must-visit for those interested in ancient history.

Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park: Activities and Tours

The park offers a wide variety of activities and tours, including ranger-led hikes, stargazing events, backcountry camping, and educational programs for kids and families. Visitors can also take guided tours of the Crystal Forest, Agate House, and Blue Mesa areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Petrified Forest National Park

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Petrified Forest National Park:

Day 1

Arrive at the park and visit the Rainbow Forest Museum. End the day with a sunset at the Painted Desert overlook.

Day 2

Drive the Petrified Forest Loop Road and hike the Giant Logs Trail.

Day 3

Explore the park’s archeological sites and learn about the history of the area.

Day 4

Take a guided tour of the Crystal Forest area and learn about the unique geology of the park.

Day 5

Take a backcountry camping trip and experience the park’s natural beauty up close.

Day 6

Take a ranger-guided hike and learn about the flora and fauna of the park.

Day 7

End the week with a stargazing event at the park.

Food and Drink Scene of Petrified National Park

Must-Try Dishes

The food scene in Petrified Forest National Park is limited, but visitors can try some local specialties at the Painted Desert Diner, which offers a range of classic American dishes, including burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Another popular spot is the Petrified Forest Gift Shop, which offers a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

Local Beverages

The Petrified Forest National Park is located in a dry region with very limited opportunities for drinking. Visitors can carry a reusable water bottle and buy bottled water from the park store.

Where to Stay in Petrified Forest National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, including campgrounds, lodges, and hotels. The park has two established campgrounds, the Rainbow Forest Campground and the Crystal Forest Campground, both of which are open year-round.

What to Buy in Petrified Forest National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Petrified Forest Gift Shop offers a wide range of gifts and souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, postcards, and pottery. Visitors can also purchase locally made jewelry or artifacts at the Painted Desert Indian Center.

Local Culture and Customs of Petrified Forest National Park

The park is located in an area with a rich cultural heritage, including several Native American tribes. Visitors are encouraged to learn more about the local culture by attending cultural events and visiting local museums and historical sites.

Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park

The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Petrified Forest National Park

Do:

Carry sunscreen, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes. Respect the park’s natural resources and wildlife. Take the time to learn about the Native American cultures that have called the area home for centuries.

Don’t:

Litter, disturb wildlife, or remove petrified wood from the park. Ignore safety signs and warnings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Petrified Forest National Park

Visitors should be aware of extreme weather and terrain conditions, including steep cliffs, deep canyons, and rocky ledges. It is important to stay on marked trails and adhere to safety warnings and precautions.

Health in Petrified Forest National Park

The park has limited medical facilities, and visitors should carry their own first-aid kit and any necessary prescription medications. Visitors should also be aware of the high altitude and dry climate and take precautions to protect themselves from dehydration and sunburn.

Getting to Petrified Forest National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

The park is located off of Interstate 40, approximately 25 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona. The nearest airports are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, about 87 miles from the park, and Albuquerque International Sunport, about 186 miles from the park. Visitors can also take a Greyhound Bus to the park, or drive their own vehicle.

Airports Near Petrified Forest National Park

  • Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
  • Albuquerque International Sunport

Bus Stations Near Petrified Forest National Park

  • Holbrook Bus Station

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car in Flagstaff or Albuquerque and drive to the park.

How to Get Around in Petrified Forest National Park

The park offers a variety of transportation options, including rental cars and bicycles. Visitors can also opt to hike or drive their own vehicles along the park’s scenic routes.

Where to Go Next from Petrified Forest National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations and excursions from Petrified Forest National Park include:

  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Navajo Nation Tribal Park

Conclusion

Petrified Forest National Park is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning landscapes, learn about the lives and traditions of the Native American tribes who have called the area home for centuries, and experience the thrill of hiking, camping, and backcountry exploration. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking to get away from it all, Petrified Forest National Park is definitely worth a visit.

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