Petrified Forest National Park.
Of Arizona’s three national parks, Petrified Forest is the least visited. That’s a shame, since it is absolutely stunning. Though named after the fields of petrified wood, that’s only one reason to visit. Vibrant multi-layered and colorful sedimentary rocks look like few other places on earth.
Only a few hours from several other incredible sights, like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, Petrified Forest should be on everyone’s list if they’re on a road trip nearby. I visited in my converted Transit Connect campervan. There are a few things to know before you go.
Follow my travels on my YouTube channel and check out my book about budget travel, appropriately named Budget Travel for Dummies.
What’s petrified wood?
Petrified wood at Petrified Forest.
Petrified wood is the remains of a tree where the organic compounds in its cells have been replaced by minerals. So the result is stone but in the exact shape of a former tree.
A closeup of some petrified wood.
In the Crystal Forest and a few other areas of the park, there are log-shaped stones that resemble a cut-down forest, just with the reds and whites of gems and stones.
Bring water (and sunscreen)
The Painted Desert
Despite the name, Petrified Forest is not technically a forest. Despite its location in Arizona, it’s also not technically a desert. Classified as a “semi-arid grassland” there is very little natural shade, and it’s often quite dry. This is exacerbated by the altitude, with the park averaging 5,800 feet above sea level. Because of that altitude, it doesn’t get as hot as you might expect, but you should still bring a lot of water for any hikes. The National Park Service recommends 1 gallon per day, per person. There is water available at the Painted Desert Community Complex and its visitor’s center, which is near the north entrance, and the Rainbow Forest Museum, which is near the south entrance.
Two halves
The northern portion of Petrified Forest also features some stunning landscapes.
Depending which way you’re driving on Interstate 40 you might be better off entering the park from different entrances. Driving from the east, take exit 311 and drive south through the park. This entrance starts with the stunning Painted Desert and ends with the Crystal Forest and Giant Logs.
Driving from the west, headed east, you should take exit 285 onto U.S. Route 180 to enter the park from the south.
Accessible hikes
Paved path makes the going easier, but there are sometimes steep grades.
A lot of Petrified Forest’s beauty can be seen from a vehicle. Many more are accessible via paved paths. Some of these involve a fair amount of altitude gain, so they’re not particularly wheelchair friendly. If you or someone in your party isn’t overly mobile, it’s best to check with the park rangers when you arrive to learn more about specific hike options that are right for you.
Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs!
There are easily-visible petroglyphs at the Puerco Pueblo trail, a spot that also features the remains of an ~800 year old Pueblo village. At its peak, this village was estimated to be the home of around 200 people.
Lodging and camping
The colors are otherworldly.
Well, there’s not much of either. Despite its name, the Painted Desert Inn is now a museum. During my visit there was a sign for ice cream, but it was all closed up. The only camping available in the park is backcountry camping, which requires a permit. There are places nearby to stay, including the town of Holbrook.
Food
I had lunch here… a peanut butter sandwich I made myself.
There is not much food in the park. At the south entrance, the gift shop has some snacks (and more importantly, water). At the north entrance, close to Interstate 40, there is a gas station, convenience store, and a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. They also have pre-packaged sandwiches and wraps.
Local Native American culture demonstrations
A “forest” of petrified wood.
While most National Parks have guided tours and talks by park rangers, Petrified Forest has partnered with local tribes for demonstrations of their ancient and unique cultures and traditions. For a list of upcoming events, check the park’s website.
Pet friendly
Some more stunning landscapes.
Unlike many National Parks, Petrified Forest is actually pet friendly. However, they must be leashed at all times, and are only allowed on the paved and developed trails.
Some nearby attractions are worth it, others not so much
If you’re a fan of The Eagles, the nearby town of Winslow, Arizona, lets you stand on the corner and be such a fine sight to see. This will be an Olympic-class dad-joke of a social media post, which means you should definitely do it.
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, on the other hand, was a bit more of a disappointment. It’s one of the largest meteor craters you can easily visit in the world, but it is a bit of a tourist trap. It costs $27 to get in, and while there are exhibits and a theater, you can’t go down into the crater. The viewing platforms are fairly small, and if there’s wind, they close the highest viewpoint. I don’t want to talk fellow astronomy buffs out of seeing something fairly rare on Earth, but it’s a lot of money for something you’ll take in for less than an hour.
Lastly, if you want to check out the campervan I converted to visit this, and many other, National Parks, here’s a playlist from the beginning:
