Sunrise and sunset are favorite times to view the colorful Painted Desert of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area
Photo: NPS Photo
About
Park Hours: 8am to 5pm, MST. Don't forget that Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings. Petrified Forest is best known for its Triassic fossils. It's like having two parks in one, an ecosystem over 200 million years old with plants and animals now represented in the surreal landscape of the Painted Desert. There is also a living park with its own denizens adapted to a demanding environment.
Location
Exit 311
Interstate 40
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25.00
Hours
wednesday8:00AM - 5:00PM
monday8:00AM - 5:00PM
thursday8:00AM - 5:00PM
Activities
Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Compass and GPSGeocachingOrienteeringFoodDiningPicnicking
Directions
Petrified Forest stretches north/south between I-40 and Hwy 180. There are two entrances into the park.*** ***WESTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 311, drive 28 miles through the park to Hwy 180 at the south end. Travel 19 miles to return to I-40 via Holbrook.*** ***EASTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 285 into Holbrook then travel 19 miles on Hwy 180 to the park's south entrance. Drive 28 miles north through the park to return to I-40.
Get directions →Weather
Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. About 10 inches (25.4 cm) of moisture comes during infrequent snow in the winter and often dramatic summer thunder-storms. Animals and plants are adapted to extremes in temperature and moisture. You should be ready too. Check out the forecast before you arrive and plan accordingly.