Petrified Forest National Park

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.

National ParkDesignation
AZState
68°FTemperature
LIVE · SYNCED FROM THE NPS

In the park right now

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

The Painted Desert Oasis gift shop, gas station and restaurant located at the north entrance of the park are open, and restrooms are available during construction. Visitor center operations are currently located at...

Information Park Headquarters Phones are Down

Phones at park headquarters are currently down. Please call the visitor center at Painted Desert Inn 928-235-2467 or the Visitor Services office 928-235-2391 between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also send us an email at...

68°F
TonightChance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy💨 3 to 8 mph
Thursday97°Sunny
Thursday Night68°Mostly Clear
Friday101°Sunny
NOAA · api.weather.gov
WEBCAMS 1 camera working now 1 on record at Petrified Forest National Park See the park right now →
🌫️ Air quality No AirNow monitor near Petrified Forest National Park.
SLEEP CLOSE TO THE GATE · HONEST LOCATION MATH

Where to stay

Which side of Petrified Forest National Park actually saves you drive time — with live rates, not "top-10 from nowhere".

🏕️ In-park & campgrounds

Wake up inside the gate — first light at the trailhead, no morning commute.

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🛏️ Gateway-town hotels

Rooms minutes from the entrance with pools, breakfast and parking.

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🚐 RV & camper vans

Bring the room with you — 63 parks from your own window.

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PARTNER LINKS · RATES SHOWN ON THE PARTNER SITE

GETTING THERE

Plan the drive in

✈️ Nearest airports

We map the closest regional and major airports for each park we cover in depth.

🚗 Rental cars

A car is essential at most parks — book early for summer and holiday weekends.

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🅿️ Parking & shuttles

Where lots fill by 8 AM and which shuttle skips the stress — see "Know before you go" above.

GUIDED TOURS

Book a guide

🌅 Sunrise & summit tours

Beat the crowds with a local guide who knows the timing.

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🚤 Signature experiences

Boat, wildlife and scenic tours matched to Petrified Forest National Park.

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👪 Family-friendly outings

Easy, kid-approved guided trips with real outfitters.

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