This is a place for discovery. Known for its fossils, fallen trees lived here about 225 million years ago in the Late Triassic Epoch and eventually hardened into what we know today as petrified wood. Along with this main attraction of the park, backcountry hikes here to Red Basin and Martha's Butte will also take your breath away. Come here for the night skies also since they're gorgeous.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Entrance Fees
- $25 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
- $20 – Entrance - Motorcycle
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.
Things to Do
Peek into the Paleo Lab
Visit the Museum Demonstration Lab at the Painted Desert Visitor Center Complex where you can ask questions and watch them work on fossils from the park.
Go Bicycling
Bicycle—including ebikes—use is permitted on paved park roads and parking areas open to the public as well as some areas listed in the main text. Be careful along park roads—everyone is looking at the view!
Walk Long Logs Trail
Explore this ancient log jam at the base of purple and gray badlands along a paved half-mile loop.
Walk the Tawa Trail
Enjoy the tranquility of the grassland as the paved trail leads you to scenic Tawa Point. The 1.2-mile one way Tawa Trail is a perfect place to stretch your legs after a long road trip.
Getting There
Address: Exit 311 Petrified Forest AZ 86028
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Petrified Forest National Park?
The entrance fee for Petrified Forest National Park is $25. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
When is Petrified Forest National Park open?
Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What are the best things to do in Petrified Forest National Park?
Popular things to do in Petrified Forest National Park include Peek into the Paleo Lab, Go Bicycling, Collect Your Cancellation Stamps, Walk Long Logs Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.