Petrified Forest is one of the most remarkable Arizona parks, protects one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. Ancient trees turned to crystal over 225 million years, scattered across a painted desert landscape that looks like something from another planet. It’s strange, beautiful, and completely unlike anything else in the national park system. Here’s everything we discovered so you can plan your own visit to this fascinating Arizona treasure.
Use this guide to help plan your hikes in Petrified Forest National Park. Start your adventure at the southern end of the park at the Rainbow Forest Museum off Route 180. Work your way north on the main road, stopping at short hikes and great overlooks. Finally, end your day viewing the painted desert and…
Planning an Arizona national parks road trip? This 8-day itinerary covers the best of what Arizona has to offer. You’ll visit Saguaro National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park, plus Sabino Canyon and two full days in Sedona, all in one efficient loop starting and ending in Phoenix. We did this…