Sunrise and sunset are favorite times to view the colorful Painted Desert of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area
Petrified Forest National Park
National Park · AZ
A landscape where deep time lies fully on display, Petrified Forest National Park blends colorful badlands, vast grasslands, and one of the world’s largest and most vivid collections of petrified wood. Spanning more than 200 million years of geologic history, the park protects ancient fossils, ancestral Puebloan sites, habitat for desert animals, and a sweeping stretch of historic Route 66.
Park report
Alert: Park Closure
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPainted Desert Visitor Center Closed for Construction
Fee: Entrance - Private Vehicle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$25
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesThe Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPark Headquarters Phones are Down
Fee: Entrance - Per Person
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$15
Fee: Entrance - Motorcycle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$20
Hours Exceptions
NotePark Closed Thanksgiving.; Park Closed Christmas.
Visitor Centers
Good3 visitor centers
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available37 activities
Park Name
InfoPetrified Forest National Park
Designation
InfoNational Park
State(s)
InfoAZ
Phone
Info928-524-6822
PEFO_information@nps.gov
Pass: Annual Entrance - Park
Info$45
Operating Hours
InfoPark Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Rainbow Forest Museum
InfoSee park for hours
Visitor Center: Painted Desert Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Visitor Center: Painted Desert Inn
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoArchitecture and Building, Archeology, Ruins + 42 more
Weather Info
InfoPetrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. About 10 inches (25.4 cm) of moisture comes during infrequent snow in the
Getting There
InfoPetrified Forest stretches north/south between I-40 and Hwy 180. There are two entrances into the park.*** ***WESTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 311, drive 28 miles through the park to Hwy 18
Location
Info34.9839° N, -109.7878° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website