National Park Guide

Petrified Forest National Park

Arizona, US

Ancient forests turned to stone reveal 225 million years of Earth history in the painted desert.

221,390

Acres

Trails

1962

Established

620,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$25 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), 3.5 hours

Best Months

March, April, October

Highlights

Crystal Forest Trail
Painted Desert Rim Trail
Blue Mesa Loop
Agate Bridge
Newspaper Rock Petroglyphs

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Petrified Forest National Park

Blue Mesa Trail

Moderate

1.0 miles loop

150 ft gain

Crystal Forest Trail

Easy

0.75 miles loop

30 ft gain

Painted Desert Rim Trail

Easy

1.0 miles round trip

50 ft gain

Long Logs Trail

Easy

1.6 miles loop

50 ft gain

Agate House Trail

Moderate

2.0 miles round trip

100 ft gain

About Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona protects one of the world's largest concentrations of colorful petrified wood alongside the sweeping vistas of the Painted Desert. The park spans the grasslands and badlands of the high desert, showcasing fossils from the Late Triassic period and ancient petroglyphs left by early inhabitants.

In-Depth Guide

Petrified Forest Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Petrified Forest National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Arizona's ancient fossilized woodland.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

Explore More

Hotels

3 options near Petrified Forest National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

View all hotels

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest

Modern hotel in Holbrook offering free breakfast and an indoor pool, conveniently located off I-40 for easy access to Petrified Forest National Park.

25 min drive$100-170/night

Check on Hotels.com

Quality Inn Holbrook near Petrified Forest

Budget-friendly hotel in Holbrook featuring free breakfast and a seasonal outdoor pool, a convenient base for exploring Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert.

25 min drive$75-130/night

Check on Hotels.com

Best Western Arizonian Inn

Well-maintained hotel in Holbrook with friendly staff and a praised hot breakfast spread, ideal for visitors heading to Petrified Forest National Park.

25 min drive$90-160/night

Check on Hotels.com