Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a surreal landscape where ancient history meets breathtaking desert beauty. Known for its colorful badlands, fossilized trees, and traces of prehistoric civilizations, this park offers a truly unique Southwest adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, history buff, or nature lover, here are the best things to do in Petrified Forest National Park.
1. Drive the Scenic Park Road
The park’s 28-mile scenic drive is the best way to experience its diverse landscapes. Stretching from the Painted Desert Visitor Center in the north to the Rainbow Forest Museum in the south, this route features more than a dozen overlooks and short trails.
Don’t miss:
- Tiponi Point – A spectacular sunrise spot.
- Kachina Point – Overlooks the Painted Desert Inn, a National Historic Landmark.
- Puerco Pueblo – Ancient petroglyphs and ruins from over 600 years ago.
Pro Tip: Plan at least 2–3 hours for the full drive, longer if you stop for short hikes or photos.
2. Explore the Painted Desert
The northern section of the park is home to the Painted Desert, a mesmerizing expanse of striped hills in shades of pink, red, lavender, and gray.
Top viewing spots:
- Tawa Point – Offers panoramic views of the colorful badlands.
- Chinde Point – A peaceful area for sunset photography and picnics.
For photographers, the light just after sunrise or before sunset brings out the desert’s most vivid hues.
3. Walk Among Fossilized Trees
The park’s namesake — petrified wood — is one of its most remarkable features. These ancient logs, once part of a lush Triassic forest over 200 million years ago, have turned to stone through a process of mineralization.
Best places to see them:
- Crystal Forest Trail (0.75 miles): A loop trail surrounded by colorful logs glistening with quartz crystals.
- Giant Logs Trail: Near the Rainbow Forest Museum, featuring “Old Faithful,” one of the park’s largest petrified trees.
- Long Logs Trail: The park’s longest concentration of petrified wood.
4. Discover Ancient Petroglyphs
History lovers will be captivated by the park’s ancestral Puebloan rock art and ruins.
Must-see sites:
- Newspaper Rock – Over 650 petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and symbolic designs.
- Puerco Pueblo – The remains of a 100-room village dating back to A.D. 1250.
These archaeological treasures provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
5. Hike the Blue Mesa Trail
If you’re looking for one must-do hike, make it the Blue Mesa Trail. This 1-mile loop winds through a landscape of bluish-gray badlands made of bentonite clay. The otherworldly terrain feels like walking on another planet — a dream for photographers and geology enthusiasts alike.
6. Visit the Painted Desert Inn
Originally built in the 1920s and restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the Painted Desert Inn is now a museum showcasing the park’s cultural history. Inside, you’ll find Native American murals, Route 66 memorabilia, and historical exhibits. Step outside for sweeping views of the Painted Desert below.
7. Stand on Historic Route 66
One of the few places where Historic Route 66 passes through a national park, this stop features an old car and a line of telephone poles marking the original roadbed. It’s a nostalgic photo op for lovers of American road trip history.
8. Stop at the Rainbow Forest Museum
At the southern end of the park, the Rainbow Forest Museum offers engaging exhibits about the area’s fossils, geology, and ancient ecosystems. Don’t miss the dinosaur skeletons and fossil displays that bring the prehistoric world to life.
9. Enjoy the Night Sky
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Petrified Forest is one of the best places in Arizona for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretch across the horizon — no telescope required.
10. Capture Sunrise or Sunset
For photographers, timing is everything. The park’s landscapes transform dramatically during golden hour.
Best spots:
- Tawa Point and Kachina Point for sunrise.
- Chinde Point or Blue Mesa for sunset.
Tips for Visiting Petrified Forest National Park
- Hours: The park is open daily, but check the official website for current hours as they vary seasonally.
- Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days).
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and vibrant colors.
- Leave No Trace: Removing petrified wood is illegal — enjoy it where it lies.
Final Thoughts
Petrified Forest National Park may not be as famous as the Grand Canyon or Zion, but its blend of ancient fossils, desert beauty, and cultural heritage makes it a hidden gem worth exploring. Whether you’re road-tripping through Arizona or seeking a quiet escape into deep time, the park offers an unforgettable journey through the past and present of the American Southwest.