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Sunlit Painted Desert hills of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area

Petrified Forest National Park

warningInformation2 warnings calendar_monthMar–May, Sep–Novbest time schedule2 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_number~$10entry
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Information The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!

The Painted Desert Oasis gift shop, gas station and restaurant located at the north entrance of the park are open, and restrooms are available during construction. Visitor center operations are currently located at the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station.

Information Park Headquarters Phones are Down

Phones at park headquarters are currently down. Please call the visitor center at Painted Desert Inn 928-235-2467 or the Visitor Services office 928-235-2391 between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also send us an email at pefo_information@nps.gov.

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for its extensive collection of petrified wood and the colorful badlands of the Painted Desert. Established as a national monument in 1906 and designated a national park in 1962, it protects significant geological and paleontological resources, including fossils dating back 225 million years.

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Visitors come to explore the unique landscapes, hike trails like Blue Mesa and Long Logs, and learn about the area's rich history. The park's vastness offers solitude and a chance to connect with nature, though it can be quite remote and requires proper planning.

In pictures

Sunset lights up the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark west side.
Sunset lights up the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark west side.

Things to do

Peek into the Paleo Lab
Winter/Spring

Visit the Museum Demonstration Lab at the Painted Desert Visitor Center Complex where you can ask questions an...

Go Bicycling
Winter/Spring

Bicycle—including ebikes—use is permitted on paved park roads and parking areas open to the public as well as...

Collect Your Cancellation Stamps
2-10 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Collect your cancellation stamp!

Walk Long Logs Trail
60-120 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Explore this ancient log jam at the base of purple and gray badlands along a paved half-mile loop.

Walk the Tawa Trail
30 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Enjoy the tranquility of the grassland as the paved trail leads you to scenic Tawa Point. The 1.2-mile one way...

Enjoy Horseback Riding
Winter/Spring

Bring your own horse and take a ride into the backcountry.

Walk the Painted Desert Rim Trail
20-120 Minutes · Winter/Spring

This unpaved trail winds 1-mile round trip through the rim woodland, a place for chance encounters of many spe...

Walk Puerco Pueblo Trail
10-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

The 3/4 -mile paved Puerco Pueblo Trail features the remnants of a hundred room masonry pueblo.

Walk Crystal Forest Trail
20-120 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Walk Crystal Forest Trail for one of the best opportunities to experience the petrified wood deposits as it lo...

Walk Blue Mesa Trail
30-120 Minutes · Winter/Spring

This 1-mile alternately paved and gravel trail loop offers the unique experience of hiking among banded badlan...

Explore at the Paleo Exhibits at Rainbow Forest Museum
30-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Explore the paleontology exhibits at Rainbow Forest Museum.

Become a BARK Ranger!
Winter/Spring

As long as you both follow the BARK Ranger rules, you can take your leashed dog, cat, or other pet almost ever...

Practical

At a glance

Established
1906
Open
Daily 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Price
Commercial Entrance - Per Pe $10, Per Person $15, Non-commercial Groups $15
Accessibility
Some areas wheelchair accessible
Address
Exit 311, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028
Opening hours
Daily 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Phone
928-524-6822
Price
~$10
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect long waits during peak seasons, especially in summer.
Entry fees are required, so check for current prices.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary widely throughout the day.
Bring plenty of water, as facilities are limited.

Photo: NPS Photo