Petrified Forest
National Park
About Petrified Forest
Visited – September 2019 (#11 of 63)
Established (as NP) December 1962
93K acres (about 4% the size of Yellowstone)
Where is Petrified Forest: In east central Arizona, about 100 miles east of Flagstaff.
Recommendations
Don’t miss: You can see petrified wood at many places throughout the park along the main park road. We liked the Blue Mesa hike best and the views of the painted desert are nice (not near Grand Canyon-esque though). Stop at the Visitor Center to learn all the cool nerdy science.
When to visit: You can visit any time of year, but it gets quite hot in the summer. We visited in fall (twice) and it was perfect.
How long to stay: You can do this park in a day if you stick to the main park road. Two days is better if you do several hikes although you’ll most likely have to stay outside the park.
Check out the Photo Gallery of our best pictures.
Photo Gallery
Petrified Forest is a kaleidoscope of colors, both in the hues of the log fragments scattered about the park as well as the Painted Desert landscapes. What looks like a desolate stretch of desert is a stunning opportunity for the photo enthrusiast (and geology nerd). Check out our best shots here.
Link to NPS Info
Click to visit the park’s website with maps, history, and lots of great info on things to do and places to see.
Trip Report
Read about our adventures to Petrified Forest…
The logs of Petrified Forest are no longer actual wood. The science of their transformation from wood to rock is fascinating and you’ll have to visit the park to get the real scoop on this spectacular park. Join us for some cool little hikes and some awesome photos.
Petrified Forest Blog Posts
Petrified Forest Trip Report
The geology behind the Petrified Forest is super nerdy. Additionally, the colors of the park are extraordinary. And there are some decent/moderate hikes. It’s an easy park to visit and enjoy, especially if you’re open to learning a bit about the history of...