Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the United States. It offers a completely unique landscape filled with colorful badlands, ancient petrified wood, and rich history that many people don’t expect. The park stretches between two entrances (North and South), and it’s highly recommended to drive through the entire park to experience all the major highlights. The scenic drive itself is peaceful and very well maintained. In the Painted Desert area (North side), you’ll find stunning overlooks with layered colors that look especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset. The Painted Desert Rim Trail is an easy walk with excellent views. The southern section features the most famous petrified wood areas such as Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, Jasper Forest, and Agate Bridge, where you can see massive petrified logs up close along short walking trails. Blue Mesa is a must-visit spot with vibrant blue, purple, and gray badlands. You can either drive the loop road or walk the short trail to fully experience the colors and formations. The park also includes important cultural and historical sites like Puerco Pueblo, where you can see ancient pueblo remains and petroglyphs. Most trails here are short and easy, making the park suitable for families and casual visitors. You can explore the main highlights comfortably in half a day, or spend more time if you enjoy hiking and photography. Overall, Petrified Forest National Park is a peaceful, scenic, and educational destination and is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you appreciate unique landscapes and history.

We've been to this park four or five times and still find it enjoyable. There are plenty of great sights, some hiking (more like easy walking) and the main road exits at a different point so you don't have to backtrack, which can be convenient. The park almost seems like two parks, the northern half, the Painted Desert and then the southern half, the Petrified Forest. The exit to the north is right off Interstate 40. There is also the history of old Route 66 going thru the area. There is also the rusted out old body of a '32 Studebaker located in this northern area. The Visitør Center was an old historical inn. There are a few overlooks in this area as well. The road heads south into the Petrified Forest part of things. At one of the first overlooks, there is one of the famous Newspaper Rocks. This one has about 650 petroglyphs on it. Soon after that, there are three wonderful examples of the park's namesake. There is the Agate Bridge (probably the weakest of the three), Jasper Forest and Crystal Forest (with about a mile walking trail) all of which have great photo opportunities. Continuing south there are some areas including Long Log's and Agate House. There is also a small museum and another Giant Log's short trail in this area, which is near the southern exit. We really like the petrified logs in the park. They are simply beautiful and it is a great place to bring children. One thing is that we would like to see more rangers on the trails. A lot of the resources seems to "walk" away from people with no respect.

Epic Desert Colors and Timeless Landscapes A Must-See Stop Along I-40 🌄 Driving from Phoenix to Taos, NM we couldn’t resist stopping at Petrified Forest National Park, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip! We planned to enter from Highway 180 South, but that entrance was closed, so we reached it via Holbrook, AZ and entered from the north gate along I-40. The whole area is incredibly well organized free parking, a small visitor center, souvenir shop, clean restrooms, gas station, and a quick-service café for coffee or snacks before heading inside. Entry is $25 per car, valid for a week, and totally worth it. At the main visitor center we got a map, brochures, and a short orientation from the rangers very friendly and informative. Inside you’ll find a gift shop, ice-cream counter, and shaded seating. Once you start driving through the park, every overlook feels like a different planet layers of red, purple, and grey stretching to the horizon. We stopped at Tiponi Point, Route 66 marker, and Newspaper Rock, where you can see ancient petroglyphs and unreal desert views. Highly recommended for photographers, road-trippers, and anyone who loves natural beauty and peaceful open landscapes. Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to stop and take photos. Amazing spot to stretch your legs between Arizona and New Mexico! 📸🌵

A worthy and interesting stopon the road. The museum was well put together and quite interesting. Listing and displaying not only the beautiful and rare mineralized trees, bit also displays and exhibits on the mammals, reptiles and dinosaurs that used to be in the area. Along with some impressive fossil displays.. we were only able to spend a short time there, but would love to return to see all the other areas of the park.

We loved the Blue mesa trail and the Big logs. Need at least 3-4 hours if you are in short of time. Park closes by 5pm, but whoever is in the park after that can get out at the automated gates which open when your car approaches.

Petrified Forest National Park quickly became one of my favorite parks. From the incredible petrified wood to the wide, colorful vistas of the Painted Desert, the entire landscape is picturesque and truly epic. The petroglyphs throughout the park were also very cool to see and added another fascinating layer of history to the experience. You can definitely enjoy the park by driving through, but you get the most out of it by walking the trails—most are very manageable, and only a couple are on the longer side. The Painted Desert Inn is a fun stop as well, especially seeing the old prices from when it was still in operation. As always, the visitor center is excellent, with helpful information and very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Depending on the time of year, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and stay hydrated—it can get hot!

Never thought i’d be this amazed by the landscape and the petrified woods. Easily accessible from I-40 and can spend a day at relaxed pace. Brace for cold weather if visiting in winter months and park closes at sunset.

I knew I wanted to visit this park and alloted a whole day to do it, but wasn't sure if it was going to just end up being a quick hour drive through. It ended up being a very full day and it was amazing! We started at the Painted Desert Inn and did a part of the rim trail and then decided to do the Petrified Forest Wliderness Access Trail to the left of the Inn. It takes you down into the canyon and I have to admit that this was my favorite trail! It was just breathtaking! We then climbed back up and went to the inn at the top and got ice cream. We then drove down to the Blue Forest trail, stopping at every overlook along the way. The scenery changes so much with each one. The Blue Forest trail was very cool too. We then went down and walked the Crystal Trail, which was definitely worth it as well. I definitely recommend this unique and fascinating park!