About Petrified Forest
A landscape where deep time lies fully on display, Petrified Forest National Park blends colorful badlands, vast grasslands, and one of the world’s largest and most vivid collections of petrified wood. Spanning more than 200 million years of geologic history, the park protects ancient fossils, ancestral Puebloan sites, habitat for desert animals, and a sweeping stretch of historic Route 66.
Things to do: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Compass and GPS · Geocaching · Orienteering
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Blue Mesa Trail1.0 mi
- Crystal Forest Trail0.8 mi
- Giant Logs Trail0.4 mi
- Painted Desert Rim Trail0.8 mi
- Long Logs Trail0.4 mi
Camping
There are no NPS campgrounds inside the park. Lodging and private campgrounds are typically available nearby.
Best time to visit
Peak season: April – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. 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.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Valid for 7 days.$15
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$20
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan — $25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.$25
- Commercial Entrance - Per Person — $25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.$10
Annual Entrance - Park: $45. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Gallup, NM. Park center: 34.980°, -109.780°.
Petrified Forest stretches north/south between I-40 and Hwy 180. *** ***WESTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 311, drive 28 miles through the park to Hwy 180 at the south end. *** ***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.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15. Entrance - Motorcycle: $20.
When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest?
Peak season is April – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. 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.
Can you camp in Petrified Forest National Park?
There are no NPS campgrounds inside the park; lodging and private campgrounds are available nearby.
What is the closest city to Petrified Forest National Park?
Gallup, NM is the nearest major city. Petrified Forest stretches north/south between I-40 and Hwy 180. *** ***WESTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 311, drive 28 miles through the park to Hwy 180 at the south end. *** ***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.
What are the best hikes in Petrified Forest?
Popular trails include Blue Mesa Trail (1.0 mi), Crystal Forest Trail (0.8 mi), Giant Logs Trail (0.4 mi), Painted Desert Rim Trail (0.8 mi). The park has roughly 18 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.