Petrified Forest National Park

"I was East bound and entered from the 180 entrance. I am really happy that I did. There was much less traffic traveling Northbound in the park. The views were amazing. The short walking paths made viewing the petrified forests up close very pleasant and beautiful. The way that the painted desert came into view was stunning. All of the park staff that I encountered were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable."

"This place was just too beautiful and fascinating to capture. Will just share a few pics of our visit recently in Jan 2026. The temp was in the 40's and 50's which was actually perfect. Honestly, would be very challenging to walk the trails during the height of summer in addition to the large crowds. We drove the 28 miles of the whole park to experience the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. Very much worth the visit. We just walked a few trails that are paved for safely walking. Bring walking shoes/ boots, water and best to dress in layers. My hoodie was perfect. Allow a day or most of the day to stop and visit the outlooks to enjoy the amazing scenery. It starts to get dark around 5. We spent 2 nights at the Delta Motel on Route 66 that we used as our base. Note the Petrified wood with the quartz crystals that are millions of years old. I am always fascinated by the vegetation that survives these harsh climates. Note the colors of the rocks and sand. Go visit...."

"Epic Desert Colors and Timeless Landscapes A Must-See Stop Along I-40 🌄 Driving from Phoenix to Taos, NM we couldn’t resist stopping at Petrified Forest National Park, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip! We planned to enter from Highway 180 South, but that entrance was closed, so we reached it via Holbrook, AZ and entered from the north gate along I-40. The whole area is incredibly well organized free parking, a small visitor center, souvenir shop, clean restrooms, gas station, and a quick-service café for coffee or snacks before heading inside. Entry is $25 per car, valid for a week, and totally worth it. At the main visitor center we got a map, brochures, and a short orientation from the rangers very friendly and informative. Inside you’ll find a gift shop, ice-cream counter, and shaded seating. Once you start driving through the park, every overlook feels like a different planet layers of red, purple, and grey stretching to the horizon. We stopped at Tiponi Point, Route 66 marker, and Newspaper Rock, where you can see ancient petroglyphs and unreal desert views. Highly recommended for photographers, road-trippers, and anyone who loves natural beauty and peaceful open landscapes. Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to stop and take photos. Amazing spot to stretch your legs between Arizona and New Mexico! 📸🌵"

"The Petrified Forest is truly amazing and absolutely worth the visit. The landscape feels otherworldly, and the colors and formations are stunning from the moment you enter the park. One of the most beautiful parts of the park is the Blue Mesa trail. It is a must see. The blue and purple hues, combined with the winding trail through the badlands, make this area unforgettable. It feels peaceful, unique, and visually striking in a way that stays with you long after you leave. If you have limited time after visiting the main areas of the park, this is the best place to go. Do not miss it. Blue Mesa captures the beauty and magic of the Petrified Forest perfectly."

"One of my top NPs; I absolutely admired this place. On May 26th 2026, I arrived at Petrified Forest National Park around 11 a.m. and the heat had already climbed to 82°F. The visitor center was my first stop. I inquired about a wilderness permit in case I wanted to camp inside the park, but I hadn’t decided on camping yet—which I’d later regret not planning in advance. Petrified Forest is split into two sections by Historic Route 66 and Interstate 40. I started in the northern portion, exploring the Painted Desert, Tawa Point, and Pintado Point—dramatic red and pink hills that look painted by hand."