Travel Guide to the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona

November 7, 2022

Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park, also known as Painted Desert, is a United States National Park located in northeastern Arizona. It has a total of 563 square miles and protects over two-thirds of the Petrified Forest. It’s up to you to explore the park and find out which parts are the most interesting for you – it may be the Blue Mesa Trail or Agate Bridge or the panted desert which were a few of my personal favorites. The Petrified Forest is one of the most interesting places to explore in the US – you can find hiking trails, beautiful views that make you feel like you’ve visited another planet.

How to Get there

To get to the Petrified Forest National Park head eastbound on Interstate 40 and take Exit 285 into Holbrook then travel 19 miles on Highway 180 South to the park’s south entrance. This National Park will take you on a 28 mile drive through the park and will take you to another planet.

When to Visit

I had the chance to visit the Petrified Forest National Park on May 3, 2022 and it was just starting to heat up. Due to the lack of shade in this park, it’s wise to only visit when the temperatures are on the cooler side. When we visited it got to be 80 degrees Fahrenheit as a high and it was pretty warm after a few hours.

Before You Visit

Be sure to only visit when it is cool outside, due to the lack of shade it heats up very quickly and can become uncomfortable due to the heat.
Plan ahead and pack some food. There is a gift shop with snacks in the park however if you are spending a full day in the park I recommend packing a few sandwiches.
Make sure you hike the Blue Mesa Trail. This was my favorite part of the trip, and is a must hike when visiting the Petrified Forest National Park.
Bring binoculars to get a good look at Newspaper Rock. Newspaper Rock displays over 650 petroglyphs, some more than 2000 years old. This landmark is persevered and only allows viewing from above. Bring binoculars to get a better view of this incredible part of history.
Check out the Painted Desert Inn, to get a glimpse into Arizonas past. This spot has incredible views on the Red Painted Desert as seen in the photo below. 👇

Other Spots in the Area

If you’re interested in exploring additional places in this area, I recommend you check out Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson, Arizona.

natalienicosia

Embark on a journey with me, Natalie Nicosia, your dedicated travel guide through the breathtaking landscapes of the west. As an Aquarius with an insatiable passion for exploration, I invite fellow adventure and experience seekers to join me on a quest for the extraordinary.