Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Characterized by its colorful petrified wood deposits, Petrified Forest National Park is also home to the breathtaking Painted Desert and Native American sites. It is the only U.S. national park that’s crossed by Route 66.

Petrified Forest National Park - Banner Painted Desert Hiker

Red-colored badlands, blue-banded rock formations, a historic auto route, Native American sites and fossilized trees make up the remarkably varied landscape of Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.

Named for its huge density of petrified logs, this is one of the world’s best places to see fossils from the Late Triassic, which was basically the dawn of the dinosaurs. That’s how old this place is.

Petrified Forest National Park allows you to walk where dinosaurs roamed and to stand where ancient forests fell.

You’ll explore an ancient river system that would’ve put every other river in the world today to shame. These arid landscapes may seem desolate and empty, but a closer look reveals an age-old geological and natural experiment that’s still ongoing to this day.

Additionally, this small national park is home to Native American archaeological sites and petroglyphs, as well as breathtaking badlands. The Painted Desert, making up the park’s northern part, offers amazing backcountry hiking and camping opportunities, while the Blue Mesa in the center has a short loop trail.

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Highlights of Petrified Forest National Park

A wonderful and mandatory stopping point on a road trip around Arizona, Petrified Forest will keep you occupied for at least a whole day. The park’s only road cuts across this arid landscape from north to south. When driving it, you’ll come across the following major highlights.

The Painted Desert
Old Studebaker on Old Route 66
Puerco Pueblo
Native American petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock
The Teepees
Blue Mesa
Crystal Forest, Long Logs and Giant Logs trails

How Much Time Do You Need?

This great national park deserves at least one full day and one night of your time. It’s not the biggest park and there’s only one road, running from north to south through the park. This allows you to see every single attraction, in depth and at your own pace.

I recommend backpacking into the Painted Desert wilderness and spending a night out there. It’s magical—and surprisingly easy as well.

Petrified Forest National Park - Banner Blue Mesa

Accommodation Near Petrified Forest National Park

There is no accommodation inside the park’s boundaries. The only way to spend the night in Petrified Forest National Park is on an overnight backcountry hike, which can’t recommend enough.

It’s the absolutely perfect way to get a feel for this unique park. Consider heading into the wilderness in the Painted Desert for a night under the stars, in complete solitude.

Remember that you need to get a free backcountry permit if you want to go wilderness camping. You can get those at the two visitor centers.

If you’re looking for “actual” accommodation near Petrified Forest, the surrounding towns have their fair share of motels and hotels.

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