PETRIFIED FOREST
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 221,390 ACRES

EST. 12 09 1962

ARIZONA

Planning a Trip to
Petrified Forest
National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is an incredible place to explore. Located in Arizona, the park is home to the world's largest concentration of petrified wood, where visitors can view stunningly colorful pieces of petrified logs and other fossils. The park also has a variety of trails and activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ranger-led programs. One of the best things about the park is the Painted Desert, a spectacular landscape of colorful rocks and sandstone formations. No matter what your interests, Petrified Forest National Park is sure to captivate you with its beauty and history.

"National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst."
- Wallace Stegner

"The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value."
- Theodore Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

Spring (March-May) is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The weather is mild, the skies are clear, and the desert blooms with color. Wildflowers and cacti add to the beauty of the park, and visitors can enjoy bird-watching, hiking, and sightseeing.

Summer (June-August) is also a great time to visit Petrified Forest National Park. Temperatures can be quite hot and humid during this time, but you can still enjoy the park's many attractions. Hiking, camping, and exploring the ancient ruins are all popular activities.

Fall (September-November) is the perfect time to visit Petrified Forest National Park. The temperatures are mild and the skies are clear. The park's foliage transforms into a colorful blanket of red, yellow, and orange. Hiking, camping, and exploring the ancient ruins are all popular activities.

Winter (December-February) is also a great time to visit Petrified Forest National Park. Temperatures can be cold, but the park is still open and the skies are usually clear. The winter months are a great time to explore the park’s ancient ruins and take advantage of the park’s many trails

The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park depends on what activities you’re hoping to enjoy during your visit. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. Summer months can be quite hot, so if you’re looking for a more active outdoor experience, you may want to opt for visiting in the spring or fall. Winter months can be quite cold, so if you plan on skiing or snowshoeing, this is the best time to go. For stargazing, the summer months offer the clearest night skies. No matter the season, Petrified Forest National Park provides a unique and unforgettable experience.

OVERVIEW

Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the United States. Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the park offers stunning views of granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and lush meadows. Visitors can explore the park's 1,200 miles of trails, go camping and biking, and take part in ranger-led activities. The park also features a variety of lodging options and restaurants that serve traditional American and Native American dishes. Whether you're looking for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation, Yosemite National Park is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

WEATHER

Petrified Forest National Park is located in the high desert of Arizona, so the weather can vary greatly depending on the season. In the winter months, temperatures usually range from the mid-30s to mid-50s, with occasional snow. Spring brings a wide variety of temperatures, ranging from the mid-30s to mid-90s, with occasional rain and wind. Summer is generally hot and dry, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-90s and nighttime temperatures dropping to the mid-60s. Fall brings mild temperatures, ranging from the mid-30s to mid-80s, with occasional rain and wind. No matter the season, visitors should always be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is home to a variety of ecosystems, including desert scrub, grassland, riparian, and woodland. The park's desert scrub ecology is made up of low shrubs, cactus, and succulents. The grasslands of the area support a wide variety of grasses and wildflowers. Riparian areas contain cottonwood, willow, and mesquite trees, as well as a variety of aquatic animals. Finally, the park's woodland ecology consists of ponderosa pine, juniper, and oak trees. These diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a large array of wildlife, from small mammals to large birds.

GEAR

If you're planning a visit to Petrified Forest National Park, here are the top 10 pieces of gear you'll need to get the most out of your experience.

For hiking, bring sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a daypack to carry snacks, water and other essentials.

For camping, you'll need a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, and other camping supplies.

For photography, bring a camera, lenses, and a tripod to capture the breathtaking views.

For wildlife viewing, bring binoculars and a field guide to help identify species.

For stargazing, bring a telescope and a star chart to identify constellations.

For birdwatching, bring a bird book, binoculars, and a bird feeder to attract birds to your campsite.

Finally, don't forget to bring a first aid kit and a map of the park to help navigate the trails and explore the area.

1. A tent: You’ll want something sturdy and waterproof to protect you from the elements while camping at Petrified Forest National Park.

2. Sleeping bag: Make sure it’s rated for the temperatures you’ll be camping in.

3. Firewood: You’ll need wood to keep a fire burning throughout the night.

4. Flashlight: This will help you navigate the park in the dark.

5. Sunscreen: You’ll need to protect yourself from the sun’s rays during your camping trip.

6. Insect repellent: Keep the bugs away with a good insect repellent.

7. Water: You’ll need to bring along plenty of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

8. Camping stove: A camping stove will make cooking while camping much easier.

9. Cooking utensils: Bring along pots, pans, and other items you’ll need to prepare meals on the camping trip.

10. First-aid kit: Be sure to pack a first-aid kit with basic medical supplies in case of an emergency.

GEAR UP

HISTORY

Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a unique and ancient landscape. The area has been home to human cultures since the late Archaic period, and evidence of human habitation has been found in the park dating back over 8,000 years. It was declared a national monument in 1906 and a national park in 1962. The park is well known for its petrified wood, which is the remains of trees that have been fossilized over time. The petrified wood is composed of quartz and other minerals, and is believed to be over 200 million years old. The park also features breathtaking landscapes, desert wildlife, and ancient ruins.

Petrified Forest National Park is home to many legendary stories, some of which date back centuries. One such legend is that of The Coyote and the Two Brothers. It tells of two brothers who were led by a coyote to a magical land of petrified wood. In the story, the brothers discover a hidden chamber filled with petrified trees, which they take back with them to the village. Another legend claims that the petrified wood in the park is actually the fossilized remains of a great warrior who defeated a monster. Other tales include stories of a giant bear-like creature that guards a hidden treasure in the park, and a giant snake that lurks in the depths of the forest. All of these tales add to the mystique and beauty of Petrified Forest National Park.

RECOMMENDED

1. Visit the Rainbow Forest Museum to learn about the geology and history of the park.
2. Take a scenic drive along the Park Road to take in the magnificent views of the petrified wood.
3. Go for a hike on one of the trails to explore the vast petrified wood forest.
4. Visit the Painted Desert Inn to view the historic building and admire the murals painted by the artist, Olaf Seltzer.
5. Take a guided tour to learn more about the park and its history.
6. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas.
7. Check out the Blue Mesa trail to view the stunning badlands.
8. Stop by the Crystal Forest to view the colorful petrified wood.
9. Take a night sky tour to observe the stars and constellations.
10. Visit the Pinta Trail to see the historic ruins and petroglyphs.

1. Take a guided hike to the Blue Mesa Trail. This relatively unknown trail offers stunning views of the Petrified Forest and breathtaking sunsets.
2. Visit the historic Puerco Pueblo. This ancient ruin is located in the northern part of the park and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
3. Take a scenic drive along the Painted Desert Rim Drive. This drive takes you through an ever-changing landscape of colorful rock formations, sandstone buttes, and mesas.
4. Explore the Crystal Forest. This area is home to spectacular petrified logs and colorful crystal deposits.
5. Spend the night camping in the backcountry. This is a great way to experience the park away from the hustle and bustle of the main roads and trails.

GET HERE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Petrified Forest National Park offers some of the most stunning hikes in the Southwest. Here are the top 10 hikes to explore in the park:
1. Blue Mesa Loop Trail - 2.6 miles, easy
2. Crystal Forest Loop Trail - 0.75 miles, easy
3. Giant Logs Trail - 0.25 miles, easy
4. Agate House Trail - 0.6 miles, moderate
5. Long Logs Trail - 0.3 miles, moderate
6. Newspaper Rock Trail - 0.25 miles, easy
7. Puerco Pueblo Trail - 2 miles, moderate
8. Painted Desert Rim Trail - 6 miles, difficult
9. Pintado Point Trail - 1.5 miles, moderate
10. Crystal Forest to Blue Mesa Trail - 3.2 miles, moderate

Petrified Forest National Park is home to some of the best campsites in the Southwest. Here is a list of the top 10 best campsites at Petrified Forest National Park:

1. Crystal Forest Campground;

2. Blue Mesa Campground;

3. Agate House Campground;

4. Puerco Pueblo Campground;

5. Pintado Point Campground;

6. Newspaper Rock Campground;

7. Painted Desert Rim Campground;

8. Rainbow Forest Campground;

9. The Badlands Campground;

10. Painted Desert Inn Campground. All of these sites offer stunning views of the park, as well as great access to the park's many activities and attractions.

FIND A CAMPSITE

# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Every year, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona welcomes more than 600,000 visitors. The park sees its highest numbers of visitors in the summer months, with June, July, and August bringing in an average of more than 100,000 visitors each month. In the winter, the park typically sees around 30,000 visitors per month. In 2020, the park saw a dramatic decrease in visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total of just over 183,000 visitors for the year.