Petrified Forest National Park: A Colorful, Captivating Park in Arizona

We made a Route 66 Trip in 2018, hopping on the Route in Amarillo and driving to the Santa Monica Pier. One of our stops was the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. This makes sense as it is the only National Park with Route 66 running through it. 

This area, located in northeastern Arizona’s Navajo and Apache counties, was dedicated as a National Park in 1962. It is named after the petrified wood found throughout the 346 square miles of land.

Before You Go to Petrified Forest National Park

It’s thirty dollars to enter or buy a National Park pass for $80 annually (they are cheaper for seniors and free for military and 4th graders). We also went to the Grand Canyon on this trip and decided to get a National Parks pass. The plan was to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park as well, but we did this one ten months later, so we opted to do Rosewell on the way back instead.

I would like to remind you that we should always respect these sacred lands designated for us to enjoy by ensuring we leave no trace. This means that what you bring in is taken out with you.

What time of year should I go?

My recommendation is to go during the spring or fall. If you go during the Spring months (March and April), you will see the wildflowers in full bloom. Late fall into winter is also nice because there are fewer crowds and unlimited visibility; just be careful because it does get cold. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

What should I pack?

The number one thing I will tell you to pack is sunscreen! There is very little (okay- NO) shade within the park. If you’re doing a drive-through trip, much like we did, this won’t be a problem, but if you are hiking, it will.

Given this information, it is also recommended that you drink lots of water—as Breanna would say, Hydrate or Dydrate.

Be sure to pack accordingly for the weather, with a slight variation if needed. For example, a long-sleeve sun shirt would be suitable for cooler morning temps while keeping the sun off you in the heat of the day.

How to get to Petrified Forest National Park

You’ll want to get gas before heading to Petrified Forest National Park because it’s nineteen miles to the entrance and over 25 miles inside the park. Gas will go quickly since you’ll drive slowly to check everything out.

It is an hour and a half east of Flagstaff on I-40, and then take exit 180.

Where to Stay Near Petrified Forest National Park?

Breanna and I stayed at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Holbrook. It was an overnight stay on our way home from Los Angeles in the summer of 2024. We talked to several people in the lobby and elevator, and they all headed to Petrified Forest.
The rooms were nice and comfortable. If you’ve been on the site long, you know I love Hilton brand hotels. La Quintas can be hit or miss, and this one was a hit.

If you’re feeling extra fancy and want to do the Route 66 thing, or maybe you’re a Cars fan, you can stay at the Wigwam Motel.

Now, we’re about to get even more adventurous. You can camp inside the park if you want; however, you have to have a backpacking adventure pass, and while it’s free, you must hike at least half a mile away from your vehicle.

Things To See and Do at Petrified Forest National Park

A lot of our time was spent driving, with a few stops to get epic photos. The painted desert was one of our favorite sights along the route.

Near it is the Painted Desert Inn, which used to be a hotel but is now a museum. You can walk through it and see what it would have been like to live during that era, including menu prices for the hotel’s restaurant.

Since this drive was long and there are a lot of rocks, I am going to point out some of our favorites (doing this a bit differently than I usually do- it will be picture, comment, picture, comment, etc).

This picture was taken just outside the park at the Crystal Forest. Crystal Forest is a big part of going to the area because this point is dedicated to Route 66, and there is an old Studebaker-turned statue left behind for all to see.

This is a view of the painted desert from the car. The different colors represent the years that they have been on the mound. Each layer represents a moment in time. Animals lived on those layers, and plants grew on them. Then, another layer was deposited on top, making the process start all over again.

This is the badlands area of the trip, and the colors get darker the further you go.

I have read that if you can stop (cause, you know, the weather is decent enough) and hike about a mile out, you will be in the middle of the Blue Mesa area. The pictures are stunning. In addition, you might find paleontologists studying the land to learn about the Earth’s life before us.

This might be a good spot to camp for the night and get some views of this International Dark Sky location.

Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts on Petrified Forest National Park

I just want to backpack everywhere in the United States now, especially since they are an International Dark Sky area. The great thing about the Petrified Forest is that it makes you feel like you are in another world. From Route 66 to the Painted Desert, this is worth a stop if you want rainbow-colored fossils.

Want to take one home of your own? Stop in the visitors’ center while you’re out there.