Ever wanted to walk through a forest frozen in time? You won’t believe what’s waiting just off the highway in northeast Arizona. Keep reading to discover why Petrified Forest National Park should be your next bucket list adventure—and tips on how to plan your visit.
How to Get to Petrified Forest National Park from Phoenix, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona, and getting there from Phoenix takes about 3.5 to 4 hours depending on your route and stops. The most direct route is to take I-17 North to Flagstaff, then head east on I-40 toward Holbrook. From there, you’ll take Exit 311 to reach the South Entrance of the park. If you prefer a more scenic, less-trafficked drive, you can take US-60 East through Globe, then connect to AZ-77 North to Holbrook. Both routes offer unique desert landscapes and small-town charm along the way.
Costs & Entry Info for Petrified Forest National Park
As of June 2025, the entrance fee for Petrified Forest National Park is $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person if entering on foot or bike. These passes are good for 7 consecutive days. We used the America the Beautiful Pass, which grants unlimited access to all U.S. National Parks for a full year and paid for itself after just a couple of visits. This is a great option for anyone planning to visit multiple parks. To check current prices, visit the official site.
Our Route Through Petrified Forest National Park
We visited Petrified Forest National Park in mid-June 2025, right in the middle of the week and around midday. Temperatures were in the low 90s, but with dry desert air, it was still a comfortable experience with shade and rest stops throughout the park.
We entered through the South Entrance, which greeted us with a large welcome sign—the perfect spot to snap a photo. There is also a giant park map, showing all major viewpoints, hiking trails, and restroom locations. We highly recommend taking a picture of the map so you can reference it on the go.
At the guard station, a park ranger welcomed us and handed us a paper map with tips on what to see. Just ahead was the Rainbow Forest Visitor Center, which had everything we needed: shaded picnic tables, clean restrooms, trash and recycling bins, a water bottle refill station, a museum filled with fossils and exhibits about petrified wood, and a charming gift shop.
We found that parking was widely available and never had trouble finding a spot. However, we did notice that the first scenic stops after each entrance—like Crystal Forest on the south side and Painted Desert Inn on the north—tended to be the most crowded. To avoid the rush, we focused our time on mid-park locations such as Agate Bridge and Newspaper Rock, which offered more space and quieter views.
When we reached the North Entrance, we found similar amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, a water refill station, and another gift shop. This is also where you can check-in on your Arizona State Parks Passport—a fun bonus for anyone.
Common Questions About Petrified Forest National Park
Q: Is the park open year-round?
A: Yes, it’s open every day except Christmas. Hours may vary slightly by season.
Q: How long do I need to visit?
A: You can drive the 28-mile park road in about 1 hour without stops. But we recommend 2–4 hours to hike, explore museums, and enjoy overlooks.
Q: Is there camping inside the park?
A: No developed campgrounds, but backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. We camped nearby (see the end of the blog for details!).
Suggested Gear for Your Visit
Here’s what we recommend bringing for a safe and enjoyable visit to Petrified Forest National Park:
- Wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the desert sun
- Sunscreen, especially for your face, neck, and arms
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
- Lightweight daypack to carry water, snacks, and maps
- Easy snack like air-popped popcorn or trail mix
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Why You Should Visit Petrified Forest National Park
Whether you’re a history buff, hiker, road tripper, or simply curious traveler, Petrified Forest National Park offers a one-of-a-kind blend of natural beauty, geological history, and peaceful desert landscapes. With minimal crowds during the week, accessible roads, and well-maintained facilities, it’s a great destination for all ages and fitness levels.
The vibrant petrified wood, painted desert cliffs, and ancient fossils truly make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. If you’re planning a road trip through Arizona, this park is an unforgettable stop.
Before exploring Petrified Forest National Park, we came from Woods Canyon Lake Dispersed Camping for a night under the stars.
Want to learn more about that experience? Click here to read our blog.
And if you’re checking-in on your Arizona State Park Passport, see our how to use guides by clicking here.
