Petrified Forest National Park: planning guide
Painted desert and fossilized wood along I-40 in Arizona. Easy roadside stops and short walks.
Petrified Forest National Park is in AZ, United States. The nearest town is Holbrook — roughly 20.3 mi (32.7 km) out, about 47 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then October through November. Shoulder season: February and early December.
Summer highs regularly clear 100 °F / 38 °C. Winter is pleasant by day but nights drop below freezing at elevation.
Summer heat is the real hazard, not the crowds. Hike at dawn, skip exposed trails after mid-morning, and never rely on finding water.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Holbrook | 20.3 mi (32.7 km) | 47 min |
| Joseph City | 30.4 mi (48.9 km) | 1 hr 4 min |
| Snowflake | 31.6 mi (50.9 km) | 1 hr 6 min |
| Taylor | 34.9 mi (56.2 km) | 1 hr 12 min |
| Saint Johns | 37.4 mi (60.3 km) | 1 hr 16 min |
| White Mountain Lake | 40.4 mi (65 km) | 1 hr 22 min |
| Houck | 42.3 mi (68.1 km) | 1 hr 25 min |
| Dilkon | 44.1 mi (71 km) | 1 hr 28 min |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilderness backpacking permit | First-come, first-served | Free. Issued in person the day you camp, until 4:30 PM, at Painted Desert Inn or Rainbow Forest Museum. No Rec.gov reservation. Hike at least ½ mile from your vehicle; group size 8. |
Where Petrified Forest National Park sits
Official Petrified Forest National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Grand Canyon National Park
A deep canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. South Rim is the busy, easy-access side.
- Mesa Verde National Park
Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings on a Colorado mesa. Tours and overlooks explain the sites; stay on designated paths.
- Saguaro National Park
Sonoran Desert outside Tucson with stands of tall saguaro cactus. Best in cooler months; summer heat is serious.
- Bryce Canyon National Park
Pink and orange hoodoos in a high Utah amphitheater. Short rim walks give you most of the classic views.
Common questions
Where is Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest National Park sits in AZ, United States, and the closest town of any size is Holbrook — about 47 min away.
When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
Generally March through May, then October through November, with February and early December quieter on either side.