Entrance sign to Petrified Forest National Park

One day at Petrified Forest National Park: How to Plan the Perfect Trip

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Looking for the best things to do with one day at Petrified Forest National Park? You’re in the right place — we’ve mapped out exactly how to make the most of your visit.

Tucked away in northeastern Arizona (about 3 hours or so from Phoenix), Petrified Forest National Park is a stunning blend of badlands, ancient petrified wood, Painted Desert views, and archaeological history. It’s one of the few national parks where you can drive through the entire park in a single day — but don’t let that fool you. The landscapes here are so colorful and varied, you’ll want to stop every few miles.

Whether you’re road-tripping along historic Route 66, making a detour from Flagstaff, or pairing your visit with the Grand Canyon, this is one Arizona gem you won’t want to skip.

Let’s dive into how to plan your one day at Petrified Forest adventure — including how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and all the best things to do.

Fast Facts About Petrified Forest National Park

  • Founded in 1962 – Originally designated a National Monument in 1906, Petrified Forest became a National Park on December 9, 1962 to protect its extraordinary fossilized wood, colorful badlands, and archaeological treasures.
  • Much quieter than the Grand Canyon – Petrified Forest sees about 600–700,000 visitors per year, compared to the ~5 million who visit Grand Canyon National Park.
  • A Route 66 icon – Historic U.S. Route 66 once cut directly through the park. Today, you can still see an old roadbed and a 1932 Studebaker along the way.
  • One of the richest petrified wood deposits in the world – The park contains massive logs that are over 200 million years old, transformed into shimmering quartz in rainbow hues.
  • Painted Desert magic – The park’s northern section is part of the Painted Desert, famous for its layered reds, oranges, pinks, and purples.
  • Archaeological wonders – More than 600 sites preserve the history of the Ancestral Puebloan people, including petroglyph panels and ancient pueblo remains.
  • Bigger than you think – The park spans over 346 square miles (221,391 acres) of protected desert landscapes.

Where is Petrified Forest National Park?

Petrified Forest National Park sits in northeastern Arizona, between the towns of Holbrook and Navajo. Its location right off Interstate 40 makes it one of the most easily accessible U.S. national parks by car.

The park has two entrances:

  • North Entrance (Painted Desert Visitor Center) — off I-40 at exit 311.
  • South Entrance (Rainbow Forest Museum) — off U.S. Highway 180.

Most visitors start at one entrance and drive the 28-mile park road to the other, stopping at overlooks, short trails, and historic sites along the way.

Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park

The park is open year-round, but conditions vary depending on the season.

Spring (March–May)

  • Mild temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers.
  • Excellent for hiking and photography.

Summer (June–August)

  • Hot — often in the 90s°F.
  • Afternoon monsoon storms possible in late summer.
  • Mornings and evenings are best for exploring.

Fall (September–November)

  • Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds.
  • Clear skies and warm light.

Winter (December–February)

  • Cool and sometimes snowy.
  • Quietest time to visit.

We spent one day at Petrified Forest in mid-January and found the temperatures to be comfortable on a sunny day.

How to Get to Petrified Forest National Park

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get there, including the closest airports, driving tips, and logistics to help you make the most of your visit.

Closest Airports to Petrified Forest National Park

  • Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
    Located just under 2 hours away, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest regional airport to Petrified Forest National Park. It offers rental car services, making it a convenient gateway if you can find flights here.
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
    Approximately a 3 hour 15 minute drive from the park, Phoenix Sky Harbor is the largest and busiest airport nearby. It serves many domestic and international flights, providing the most options and competitive pricing for travelers flying in from across the country.
  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
    About 3 hours away, Albuquerque’s airport offers more flight options than Flagstaff but is a bit farther. This can be a good alternative if you find better connections here.

Rental Car Tips for Visiting Petrified Forest National Park

Since there is no public transportation to the park, renting a car is essential. The Petrified Forest National Park road is fully paved and easy to drive, so any standard rental car will do. Having your own vehicle also lets you explore surrounding attractions like historic Route 66 towns, the stunning Painted Desert, and nearby Meteor Crater.

For most visitors, flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and renting a car is the easiest way to reach Petrified Forest National Park. The scenic drive from Phoenix takes you through high desert landscapes and small southwestern towns.

Where to Stay Near Petrified Forest National Park

Since there’s no lodging inside the park, here are the best nearby places to stay:

Holbrook, AZ (20 minutes away)

Flagstaff, AZ (1 hour 45 minutes away)

Sedona, AZ (3 hours away)

Scottsdale, AZ (3 hours 15 minutes away)

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn – Luxury resort with stunning desert views and top-notch dining.

Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas – Relaxing desert oasis with spacious suites and pools.

What to Do with One Day at Petrified Forest National Park: A Complete Guide

With just one day at Petrified Forest National Park, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

A vehicle pass costs $25 for entry to Petrified Forest National Park, but if you have the America the Beautiful Pass, it covers your day visit. The park is dog-friendly — just keep your furry friends on a leash and clean up after them to protect this fragile environment.

Drive the Full 28-Mile Petrified Forest Scenic Drive

The highlight of one day at Petrified Forest is driving the 28-mile scenic road that runs south to north through the park. Both entrances are easily accessible, but to experience the full beauty and diversity of the park, we recommend driving the entire route. You’ll get to stop at multiple viewpoints and trailheads along the way.

Pro tip: Download the Shaka Guide audio tour for Petrified Forest National Park before you go. It’s an excellent companion that shares the park’s unique history, geology, and insider tips — helping you hit all the best sites and make your one day at Petrified Forest truly unforgettable.

Download the Petrified Forest Guide

Start Your Day at Rainbow Forest Museum & Giant Logs Trail

Kick off your one day at Petrified Forest National Park at the Rainbow Forest Museum near the southern entrance. This visitor center offers helpful exhibits about the park’s geology and history. Adjacent to this is the Giant Logs Trail, a quick 0.5-mile walk that lets you stroll among massive petrified trees — some over 200 million years old. This easy hike is a must-see and a perfect introduction to the park’s unique landscape.

A picture of petrified wood at petrified forest national park

Explore the Crystal Forest Trail

Not far north of Rainbow Forest (about seven miles), the Crystal Forest Trail is a short 0.75-mile loop hike famous for the glittering quartz crystals embedded in the petrified logs. This easy walk is perfect for spotting the vibrant colors and textures that make this area so unique.

A picture of a petrified tree on the Crystal Forest trail, a must-see with one-day at Petrified Forest national park

Hike the Blue Mesa Trail for Stunning Views

Keep driving and you’ll encounter Continuing your journey north, don’t miss the Blue Mesa Trail, a one-mile loop featuring stunning blue and purple badlands and hoodoos. This trail offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the park, showing off the layers of ancient sediment and eroded rock formations that contrast with the petrified wood.

Visit Puerco Pueblo

Step back in time at Puerco Pueblo, where you can explore the ruins of an ancient Ancestral Puebloan village dating back over 600 years. The short 0.25-mile walk offers insight into the human history and culture that existed alongside this natural wonder.

Additional Must-Sees with one day at Petrified Forest:

Route 66 – Don’t forget to check out the historic remnants of Route 66 running through the park’s northern area—perfect for roadside photography.

Painted Desert Overlook – Spectacular panoramic views of the colorful badlands that gave the park its other name.

Agate House – A partially restored pueblo built entirely of petrified wood.

Newspaper Rock – Ancient petroglyphs etched into stone, providing a glimpse into the park’s indigenous heritage.

One Day at Petrified Forest: Final Thoughts

Driving the entire 28-mile park road with stops and hikes typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on how long you linger at each site and which trails you choose. The short hikes might usually take 30–45 minutes each, while Blue Mesa and Puerco Pueblo may add about an hour or more if you want to explore thoroughly.

If you’re tight on time, focus on the southern half of the park for the best petrified wood displays and visitor center amenities. If you have the whole day, you’ll be rewarded with a diverse landscape—badlands, historic ruins, and ancient petroglyphs.

No matter your pace, these sites are all easily doable within one day at Petrified Forest National Park and provide a balanced experience of nature, history, and breathtaking scenery.