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National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

InformationFeb 26, 2026

The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!

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InformationFeb 24, 2026

Park Headquarters Phones are Down

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Sunlit Painted Desert hills of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area

Sunrise and sunset are favorite times to view the colorful Painted Desert of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area

Photo: NPS Photo

About

Park Hours: 8am to 5pm, MST. Don't forget that Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings. Petrified Forest is best known for its Triassic fossils. It's like having two parks in one, an ecosystem over 200 million years old with plants and animals now represented in the surreal landscape of the Painted Desert. There is also a living park with its own denizens adapted to a demanding environment.

Activities

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Compass and GPSGeocaching
Orienteering
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

Petrified Forest stretches north/south between I-40 and Hwy 180. There are two entrances into the park.*** ***WESTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 311, drive 28 miles through the park to Hwy 180 at the south end. Travel 19 miles to return to I-40 via Holbrook.*** ***EASTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 285 into Holbrook then travel 19 miles on Hwy 180 to the park's south entrance. Drive 28 miles north through the park to return to I-40.

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Weather

Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. About 10 inches (25.4 cm) of moisture comes during infrequent snow in the winter and often dramatic summer thunder-storms. Animals and plants are adapted to extremes in temperature and moisture. You should be ready too. Check out the forecast before you arrive and plan accordingly.

News

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Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25.00