Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. The park is located in northeast Arizona and features one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. Also included in the park's 93,533 acres are the multi-hued badlands of the Chinle Formation known as the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites and displays of 225 million-year-old fossils

Petrified Forest National Park
P.O. Box 2217
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028
928-524-6228 - Visitor Information

By Car
Petrified Forest stretches between Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 180. Visitors traveling west on Interstate 40 should exit at milepost 311, drive through the park and connect with U.S. Highway 180 at the south end. Take U.S. Highway 180 to Holbrook to continue west on Interstate 40. Eastbound visitors exit Interstate 40 at Holbrook and take U.S. Highway 180 to the park's south entrance. Drive north through the park to return to Interstate 40.

Getting Around
Travel through the park is by private vehicle or commercial tour only.

Summer days are generally hot with temperatures in the 90's and occasionally in the low 100's. Summer nights range in the 50's - 60's. Average winter daytime temperatures vary from the 40 to 50s with nighttime lows in the 20s and teens. Temperatures can dip below 0 degrees. Annual rainfall is 9 to 10 inches with 40% occurring as thunderstorms in the late summer. There is occasional snow in the winter. High winds can occur any time of year. Humidity is usually low.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
Park activities include the park film, museums, sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking and wilderness backpacking. A variety of ranger programs are given year round with an increased number during the summer. A program schedule is displayed at visitor contact areas.

Note: The removal of petrified wood or other features of the park is prohibited by law. Gift shops sell petrified wood that comes from private land, outside the park. No petrified wood is removed legally from the park.

Driving non-stop, through the park, takes 45 minutes. The average length of stay is 2 hours but remaining all day is also common. The park is locked at night and visitors must be in their cars and driving towards an exit at closing time.

With advanced notice the park has several programs for school groups. Call for additional information.