Petrified Forest National Park

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Find: Hotels, Camping, Hiking, Maps, Photos & Visitor Information for Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is one of Arizona's most fascinating destinations, and a must for anyone with an interest in geology. Formed by a unique combination of environmental factors, the petrified wood found here grew in a prehistoric conifer forest that existed millions of years ago.

Most visitors will have a difficult time picturing giant trees -- up to 9 feet in diameter and 200 feet tall -- growing anywhere near the National Park as they drive through the treeless Painted Desert that exists here now.

Petrified Forest National Park protects one of the world's largest concentrations of petrified wood. It also contains fossils dating back 225 million years, along with some of the most beautiful and picturesque sections of the Painted Desert. A visit to Petrified Forest is well worth a half day of your time. We recommend allowing 3-4 hours to visit Petrified Forest National Park and the museum.

There is no food, campground or lodging available inside the park. The nearest services are in the nearby town of Holbrook, Arizona. For those who wish to explore the park for an extended period, backpacking is permitted. A free wilderness permit must be obtained at least one hour before the park closes. Permits are issued at Rainbow Forest Museum and Painted Desert Visitor Center. Hikers must park their cars and enter the wilderness at Kachina Point. A 1-mile access trail leads into the wilderness area. Campers must hike to a designated zone north of Lithodendron Wash before setting up camp.

There are two visitor centers: one at exit 311 on I-40 and one at the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark 2 miles from the north entrance. The nearest accommodations are hotels in Holbrook. The Rainbow Forest Museum is located at the south entrance near Hwy 180.

Short self-guided nature trails exist at the Long Logs area, Crystal Forest, Blue Mesa, and Tawa Point. Removal of petrified wood or other objects from the park is illegal and subject to substantial penalties.

Petrified Forest is a geologists' dream come true, but less academically inclined visitors will also find plenty to enjoy.

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This page last updated:
05/07/06