Petrified Forest and Painted Desert

The petrified forest and painted desert are a combined national park 110 miles east of Flagstaff, AZ on interstate 40 (exit 311). The park has two main entrances at both the north and south boundaries 26 miles apart. The north entrance (exit 311) begins at the painted desert and the south entrance is on highway 180 at the rainbow forest museum. Entrance fees are per vehicle or per person; check on current rates with the national park service.

puerco indian ruins

There are two petroglyph and indian ruin sites in between the two entrances.

Several short hiking loops are scattered through the park as well.

The painted desert has a half dozen overlook points (atop the cliff plateau even with the interstate) and one trailhead down into the painted desert. Camping permits are free, but hiking is recommended during cooler months since the desert elevation is significantly lower than the overlook.

The petrified forest is literally a hands-on experience; I did not expect the petrified wood to be out in the open for everyone to see and touch. Visitors may not remove petrified wood anywhere inside the national park. Petrified wood is available for free (according to a large hand painted sign at the main gate gift shop) and also for sale at nearby shops.