Petrified Forest National Park Tours and Activities

Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park


The 200-million-year-old trees and breathtaking views combine with colourful wildflowers and exciting hikes for a fantastic park experience.

The ancient trees of Petrified Forest National Park turned to quartz over many years as minerals from volcanic ash and silica replaced plant material. Once a forest, the area is now a semi-arid grassland. View beautiful desert flowers, shrubs and striking landscapes which perfectly complement the forest of fossilized logs.

The quickest way to reach petrified wood is by hiking Giant Logs loop. Follow the easy 0.4-mile (0.6-kilometer) walk along a paved trail to some of the park’s largest and most colorful petrified logs. Along the trail, notice the petrified log “Old Faithful,” which is almost 10 feet (3 meters) wide.

While most of the petrified wood is spread throughout the park’s southern half, the northern half is known for the colorful hills of the Painted Desert. To fully experience the beauty of the desert, hike the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) round-trip Painted Desert Rim Trail.

Enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your car by driving the 28-mile (45-kilometer) park road. Overlooks such as Kachina Point offer stunning views of the colors of the Painted Desert. Forgoing a hike doesn’t mean you’ll miss seeing petrified wood. Just a few steps from the Agate Bridge parking lot is a large petrified log lying across a small ravine. Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours to drive through the park with stops at various attractions.

The park is open year-round but most popular during the summer. Colorful wildflowers light up the desert from March through October, depending on the level of rainfall. On crisp winter days, visibility across the desert can reach 100 miles (160 kilometers). Check for trail openings during winter.

Petrified Forest National Park is located in eastern Arizona, less than a 2-hour drive east of Flagstaff along historic Route 66. Park entrance has a fee. Note that petrified wood cannot be taken from the preserved park, but small pieces from elsewhere in the state are available for purchase.

U.S. national parks offer affordable access to some of the country’s tallest mountains and oldest geologic formations. Enjoy your visit to the colorful desert and ancient trees of Petrified Forest National Park.

Plan a trip to see Petrified Forest National Park

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Best Lodging Options Near Petrified Forest National Park

  Site 2 off grid Campsite Near Petrified Forest

Site 2 off grid Campsite Near Petrified Forest

Petrified Forest National Park
Site 2 off grid Campsite Near Petrified Forest
Site 4  off grid campsite  near Petrified Forest

Site 4 off grid campsite near Petrified Forest

PETRIFIED FOR
Site 4 off grid campsite near Petrified Forest
Site 1 off grid  Campsite near petrified forest!

Site 1 off grid Campsite near petrified forest!

PETRIFIED FOR
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Site 3  off grid campsite near Petrified Forest

Site 3 off grid campsite near Petrified Forest

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Site 3 off grid campsite near Petrified Forest
Petrified National Forest/Meteor Crater near Holbrook,AZ

Petrified National Forest/Meteor Crater near Holbrook,AZ

Holbrook
Petrified National Forest/Meteor Crater near Holbrook,AZ
Petrified Forest Campground
Raw barren Land

Petrified Forest Campground Raw barren Land

Holbrook
Petrified Forest Campground Raw barren Land
High desert camper with the South having views of the Petrified Forest

High desert camper with the South having views of the Petrified Forest

Holbrook
High desert camper with the South having views of the Petrified Forest
Days Inn by Wyndham Holbrook

Days Inn by Wyndham Holbrook

2 out of 5
2601 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, AZ
Days Inn by Wyndham Holbrook
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest

3 out of 5
2705 Navajo Blvd, Holbrook, AZ
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Petrified Forest National Park

At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking the scenic Crystal Forest Trail, exploring wildlife, and camping under the stars. Don't miss the unique gift shops for souvenirs and local crafts. Consider joining a travel excursion for guided experiences, or embark on a memorable trip hike to fully appreciate the park's stunning landscapes and ancient petrified wood.

Shopping

At Petrified Forest National Park, you can find unique souvenirs at the park's visitor centre shop. If you're up for a drive, check out the Holbrook Antique Mall, about 32.2km away, where you can discover vintage treasures and local artisan crafts.

Recreation

Hidden Cove Golf Course offers a tranquil setting for golf enthusiasts, located 40.2km from Petrified Forest National Park. Enjoy the outdoor vibes while playing amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for relaxation and recreation in nature's embrace.

Adventure

Embark on the Crystal Forest Loop, a hiking trail located 22.5km from Petrified Forest National Park. Experience the stunning scenery, unique geological formations, and the thrill of exploring the great outdoors as you traverse this captivating landscape filled with ancient petrified wood.

Nightlife

While Petrified Forest National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, nightlife options are limited. Nearby, the Route 66 area offers a few local diners and bars where you can unwind after a day of exploration, enjoying live music and friendly conversations under the starry Arizona sky.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Petrified Forest National Park

At Petrified Forest National Park in Chambers, Arizona, visitors can explore captivating attractions such as the visitor centre and scenic lookouts. This park offers a blend of outdoor adventure and romantic experiences, perfect for travellers seeking natural beauty. Don't miss the remarkable petrified wood and the stunning landscapes that define the park, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.

  • Painted Desert Visitor Center: Located a mere 161m from Petrified Forest National Park, this visitor centre offers a thrilling introduction to the park's unique geology and vibrant landscapes. With family-friendly activities and outdoor vibes, it's an ideal starting point for your adventure.
  • Lacey Point: Situated 1.6km away, Lacey Point is a stunning lookout that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking romance, this spot is ideal for capturing memorable photos.
  • Tawa Point: Also 1.6km from the park, Tawa Point offers another excellent vantage point to appreciate the area's natural beauty. With its adventurous atmosphere, it's a fantastic place to relax and take in the stunning vistas.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Petrified Forest National Park

To save money during your visit to Petrified Forest National Park, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February or August, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to filter your accommodation choices based on your budget and preferences, and consider booking a package that combines your flight, hotel, and activities for additional savings. Public transport options are limited, so plan accordingly to maximise your budget while enjoying free activities in the park.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Petrified Forest National Park are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Petrified Forest National Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Petrified Forest National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Petrified Forest National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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