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.
Petrified Forest National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
Drive times from Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park sits close enough to Grand Canyon National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Chiricahua National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon National Park | 153 mi (247 km) | 4 hr 5 min |
| Mesa Verde National Park | 173 mi (279 km) | 4 hr 33 min |
| Saguaro National Park | 201 mi (323 km) | 5 hr 12 min |
| Chiricahua National Park | 202 mi (325 km) | 5 hr 14 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Holbrook | 20.3 mi (32.7 km) | 47 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 |
| Houck | 42.3 mi (68.1 km) | 1 hr 25 min |
| Dilkon | 44.1 mi (71 km) | 1 hr 28 min |
| Show Low | 47.2 mi (75.9 km) | 1 hr 33 min |
| Winslow | 51.4 mi (82.7 km) | 1 hr 40 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, Snowflake, and Taylor — all within a reasonable drive of the park.