Parks Manager

Getting to Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park sits in AZ, United States, with Holbrook the nearest town of any size — about 20.3 mi (32.7 km) out, or roughly 47 min of driving.

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Petrified Forest National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Holbrook20.3 mi (32.7 km)47 min
Joseph City30.4 mi (48.9 km)1 hr 4 min
Snowflake31.6 mi (50.9 km)1 hr 6 min
Taylor34.9 mi (56.2 km)1 hr 12 min
Saint Johns37.4 mi (60.3 km)1 hr 16 min
White Mountain Lake40.4 mi (65 km)1 hr 22 min
Houck42.3 mi (68.1 km)1 hr 25 min
Dilkon44.1 mi (71 km)1 hr 28 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Petrified Forest National Park?

Holbrook, about 20.3 mi (32.7 km) away — roughly 47 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Petrified Forest National Park?

The practical bases are Holbrook, Joseph City, and Snowflake — all within a reasonable drive of the park.