Petrified Forest and Painted Desert are two connected landscapes in northeastern Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert are not separate destinations — they occupy the same protected land in Apache County, Arizona, about 115 miles east of Phoenix. The park spans roughly 146,000 acres. Petrified Forest refers to the southern portion, where ancient trees turned to stone over millions of years. Painted Desert is the northern section, a badlands landscape of colorful rock layers and eroded mesas. Most visitors see both in a single trip by driving the main park road, which takes roughly two hours without stops.

The park sits at elevation between 4,000 and 5,400 feet, so temperatures vary by season and time of day. Summer daytime highs reach the low 90s Fahrenheit; winter highs stay in the 50s. The landscape offers almost no shade, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. There is one small visitor center with restrooms and water, but no food, lodging, or fuel inside the park boundaries.

Key Takeaways

  • Entry requires a vehicle pass or individual pass purchased at the entrance station; the pass is valid for seven consecutive days.
  • The main park road is a 28-mile loop that connects the two main areas and can be driven in either direction, with pullouts and short walks at marked sites.
  • Petrified wood is protected by federal law and cannot be removed; violations carry fines up to $325 and possible criminal charges.
  • The park has no food, fuel, or lodging, so plan to bring water and snacks or eat in nearby towns like Holbrook or Winslow before entering.
  • Backcountry hiking is permitted in designated areas with a free permit obtained at the visitor center on the day of your visit.

How to enter and what passes cost

Entry to Petrified Forest National Park requires a pass purchased at the entrance station. As of 2024, a vehicle pass costs $30 and covers all occupants in a single private vehicle for seven consecutive days. An individual pass (for someone arriving on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle) costs $15 for seven days. Annual passes for the park cost $55. If you hold an America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80, valid at all federal recreation sites), it covers entry here as well.

The park has two entrance stations: one on the west side near the town of Holbrook, and one on the south side near the town of St. Johns. Most visitors use the west entrance. Payment is accepted in cash and card. The park is open year-round, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally. Check the National Park Service website for current hours before you visit.

The main park road and what you can see

The 28-mile main park road connects the west entrance to the south entrance and passes through both the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest sections. You can drive it in either direction. The road is paved and suitable for all vehicles, though it is narrow in places and has no services. Driving the full loop without stops takes about 45 minutes; most visitors spend two to four hours including pullouts and short walks.

In the Painted Desert section (north), pullouts offer views of layered badlands in shades of red, purple, blue, and gray. The Painted Desert Inn, a historic structure built in the 1920s, sits at one overlook and is open for self-guided tours. In the Petrified Forest section (south), pullouts lead to short walks among scattered petrified logs. The Blue Mesa Trail is a one-mile loop that descends into a badlands area with exposed petrified wood and colorful rock. The Newspaper Rock pullout displays petroglyphs carved into dark stone by ancestral Puebloan peoples.

Rules about collecting petrified wood and artifacts

Petrified wood, pottery shards, arrowheads, and all other natural and cultural objects are protected by federal law within the park. Removing any of these items is prohibited and carries a fine of up to $325 per violation, plus possible criminal charges. This rule applies even to small pieces or fragments that appear loose on the ground. The park receives thousands of visitors annually, and the rule exists because widespread collection would destroy the landscape and archaeological record.

Photography for personal use is permitted. If you want to photograph petrified wood or artifacts for commercial purposes, you must obtain a permit from the park office. The visitor center staff can explain the permit process if you need it.

Backcountry hiking and permit requirements

Hiking off the main road is permitted in designated backcountry areas, but you must obtain a free permit from the visitor center before you hike. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of your visit. The visitor center is located near the west entrance. Backcountry areas include sections of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest where you can walk cross-country without a marked trail.

There is no water in the backcountry, so you must carry all the water you need. Temperatures can be extreme, especially in summer, and the landscape offers no shade. Backcountry hiking is most comfortable in fall, winter, and spring. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Cell service is unreliable throughout the park.

What to bring and what services exist inside the park

The park has one visitor center with restrooms, water fountains, and a small bookstore. There is no food, no fuel, no lodging, and no camping inside the park. The nearest towns with food and fuel are Holbrook (about 30 miles west) and Winslow (about 60 miles west). Plan to eat before you enter or bring snacks and a lunch.

Bring at least two liters of water per person, especially if you plan to hike. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential year-round because the landscape has almost no shade. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes if you plan to walk on uneven ground. In summer, start early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. In winter, bring a jacket because temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

Nearby towns and services outside the park

Holbrook, Arizona, is the closest town to the west entrance, about 30 miles away. It has gas stations, restaurants, and motels. Winslow, Arizona, is about 60 miles west and also has food and lodging. Both towns sit on Interstate 40. If you are coming from Phoenix, you will pass through or near these towns on the way to the park.

The Navajo Nation surrounds much of the park. Some areas near the park boundaries are on tribal land and have different rules. Stick to marked park roads and pullouts unless you have a specific permit or are with an authorized guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog into the park?

Dogs are permitted in the park but must remain on a leash at all times and cannot go on hiking trails or into backcountry areas. They are allowed on the main park road and at pullouts. Bring extra water for your dog because there is no shade and temperatures can be extreme.

Is there cell service in the park?

Cell service is unreliable throughout most of the park. Some areas near the visitor center may have weak signals from nearby towers, but you should not count on being able to make calls or send messages. Tell someone your plans before you enter.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Fall (September through November) and spring (March through May) offer the most comfortable temperatures and clearest skies. Summer is hot and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winter is mild during the day but cold at night, and the park may close temporarily after heavy snow, though this is rare.

How long should I plan to spend in the park?

Most visitors spend two to four hours driving the main road and stopping at pullouts. If you plan to hike backcountry trails, add two to six hours depending on distance and difficulty. You cannot see everything in one visit, so decide in advance whether you want to focus on Painted Desert views, Petrified Forest walks, or both equally.

Can I drive my RV or large vehicle through the park?

The main park road is paved and open to all vehicles, including RVs and large trucks. The road is narrow in places, and some pullouts are tight. There is no RV dump station or hookups in the park. Plan to use services in Holbrook or Winslow before or after your visit.