Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is truly like taking a step back in history. Like 200 million years back in history! Petrified Forest National Park was designated a National Park in 1962, and protects over 221,000 acres of unbelievably exotic land in northeastern Arizona.

Petrified Forest National Park Entrance Sign

Petrified Forest National Park sits approximately 19 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona and stretches north to south between I-40 and Highway 180.

The historic Painted Desert Inn

There is a single road through the Park that loops the Painted Desert in the northern region of the park and passes through the Petrified Forest once you cross I-40 traveling south. The Park has two visitors centers: The Painted Desert Visitors Center located in the north region and the Rainbow Forest Museum located near the south entrance to the park.

Viewing the Painted Desert from one of the many overlooks along Petrified Forest Rd

Petrified Forest National Park is one of the few parks in the park system which has daily operating hours and is not open 24 hours a day. The park is open daily from 8am-5pm, and requires a $25 entry fee. It also is one of the rare “pet friendly” parks in the system, so your furry friend can get the coveted Bark Ranger badge if you so desire!

The Old Studebaker marking Historic Route 66

The 28 mile long Petrified Forest Road bisects the original Route 66, and is marked by the row of historic powerlines and an old Studebaker. Navigating the park from north to south gives you the opportunity soak in the Painted Desert and visit the historic Painted Desert Inn before you venture into the Petrified Forest. The Painted Desert Inn, which once served travelers on Route 66 as a motel and eatery, is now an incredible museum that you can walk through and experience the feeling of a bygone era.

The Powerlines marking the Historic Route 66 roadway

As you cross below I-40 and continue south through the park, the vibrant colors of the Painted Desert begin to fade as the exotic, bentonite clay badlands begin to come into view.

The Teepees of Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park represents the largest collection of petrified wood on Earth. These fallen trees from the Late Triassic period have been perfectly preserved through the process of petrification. Within Petrified Forest National Park are countless fossils scattered throughout this protected land.

The Blue Mesa region of Petrified Forest National Park

In addition to the countless fossils, petroglyphs can be found in various areas throughout the park representing the some of the earliest inhabitants of this region. Pueblos as well as “log” homes created with the surround petrified wood can also be found throughout the park.

The Agate House in Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park has hiking options for virtually every level of hiker. With most trails being under 2 miles (round trip), and with minimal elevation gain, every visitor to this unique place has the opportunity to get up close with the amazing geological features found throughout the park. Many of the trails within the park feature paved surfaces as well!

A petrified tree at Petrified Forest National Park

For the more adventurous traveler, Petrified Forest National Park offers a few “Off the Beaten Path” backcountry adventures that allow you to get out into the badlands of the park, and navigate your way through the incredible landscape. Often times, these “trails” are completely unmarked and will require some navigational skills. During our visit, we hiked the Jasper Forest Trail, and it was one of the highlights of our trip!

Navigating the barren landscape to the Jasper Forest at Petrified Forest National Park

As with all National Parks, be sure to practice “Leave No Trace” principles while in the park. Rangers have the right to search all visitors and vehicles for petrified wood, so be sure to look, but not touch the amazing fossils that dot the landscape.

A petrified log at Petrified Forest National Park

Unlike parks like Yellowstone National Park, where wildlife is abundant, Petrified Forest National Park has far fewer inhabitants that like to make themselves seen. If you are lucky you may catch a pronghorn or jack-rabbit hopping through the prairie, or perhaps the vibrant collared lizard scurrying across a petrified log.

Bentonite Clay Badlands tower over the area

Due the size of the park, Petrified Forest National Park can be seen in one day, but for a true sense of everything the park has to offer, I would highly recommend a two day trip to this unique landscape. Holbrook, AZ makes for an excellent basecamp when visiting the Petrified Forest National Park. Holbrook offers some excellent Airbnb options, as well as the historic Wigwam Motel! Additionally, relative to the surrounding areas there are plenty of local food and shopping options within walking distance of just about any point within this small town.

Wigwam Motel in historic Holbrook, AZ

With larger parks such as Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Park in the state of Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park can often be overlooked, yet this park is truly a remarkable gem in America that everyone needs to experience. The diversity, accessibility, and truly exotic landscape of the Petrified Forest National Park make it an incredibly unique place that will result in memories that last a lifetime.