Petrified Forest National Park isn’t as well-known as other National Parks. When I was road-tripping through Arizona, I hadn’t heard much about it, but I decided to stop by—and I was surprised by what I found! The park was uncrowded and packed with cool things to see: fun hikes, colorful landscapes, ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings), historic Pueblo ruins, and loads of 200-million-year-old petrified wood.
The great thing about Petrified Forest National Park is that it’s easy to explore in just one day. Even if you only have an hour or two, you can still enjoy it by driving through and stopping at a few viewpoints. No matter how much time you spend, you’ll find something special.
So, if you’re planning a weekend road trip in Arizona, make sure to take a detour to Petrified Forest National Park—it’s definitely worth it!
Where is Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest National Park is just a few minutes off I-40, about 50 miles west of the New Mexico border. The closest big cities are Phoenix, which is about a 3-hour, 40-minute drive, and Flagstaff, which is only 1 hour and 40 minutes away. The main road through the park is 28 miles long, running north to south, and connects I-40 to Highway 180, making it easy to access from either direction.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Petrified Forest National Park is open all year, but the best times to visit are in the spring or fall. In the spring, you’ll see wildflowers in bloom, and the weather is mild with lots of sunshine. Fall is also great because of the comfortable temperatures, less rain, and fewer people.
Summer is the busiest season, but it can get really hot, with temperatures over 90°F, and monsoon season brings thunderstorms. In winter, it can be cold, and sometimes the park gets snow, so it’s a good idea to check the weather before your trip.
What is Petrified Wood?
Petrified Forest National Park gets its name from the fossilized, crystalized logs scattered all over the park, which are more than 225 million years old! These petrified trees were created when the supercontinent Pangaea broke apart, burying trees in river channels. Over time, minerals from the water slowly turned the wood into quartz crystals.
About 60 million years ago, tectonic movements unearthed these ancient logs, revealing the petrified wood we can see today. When you look closely, you can still see the “bark” and tree rings, but now they’re made entirely of quartz crystals—pretty amazing!
As beautiful as these pieces are, it’s super important not to take any petrified wood from the park. Not only is it harmful to the park, but it’s also illegal.
Best Petrified Forest National Park Hikes
Blue Mesa Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation Gain: 111ft
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead Start: Blue Mesa Viewpoint
- Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
The Blue Mesa Trail is the most popular trail and viewpoint in Petrified Forest National Park—and for good reason! This short, paved trail takes you down into the middle of massive, layered badland hills made of bluish bentonite clay. Walking through this otherworldly landscape feels like you’re on another planet. It’s definitely a “must-do” hike during your visit!
Crystal Forest Trail
- Distance: .9 miles
- Elevation Gain: flat
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead Start: Crystal Forest Viewpoint
- Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
If you want to see the most petrified wood in one place, including one of the largest pieces in the park, check out the Crystal Forest Trail. This easy, paved trail is perfect for a quick stop to stretch your legs, use the bathroom, and get an up-close look at some incredible petrified wood.
Historic Blue Forest Trail
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 223ft
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Trailhead Start: Historic Blue Forest Trailhead
- Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
The Blue Forest Trail is one of the most amazing hikes in Petrified Forest National Park. It was the highlight of my visit, and you’ll likely have the trail mostly to yourself. This hidden gem features stunning rock formations, plenty of petrified wood, and breathtaking painted hills, making it a must-see if you’re exploring the park!
Painted Desert Rim Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: flat
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead Start: Tawa Point or Kachina Point
- Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
The Painted Desert is a quiet, colorful landscape with rolling hills and stunning shades of pastel colors. The Painted Desert Rim Trail lets you walk along the canyon’s edge, where you can look down into the beautiful desert below.
If you’re short on time or not up for hiking, you can still enjoy the views by driving and stopping at several scenic spots like Tiponi Point, Kachina Point, and Chinde Point for amazing panoramic vistas.
Onyx Bridge Trail
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 442ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Start: Kachina Point
- Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
If you’re looking for a longer hike in Petrified Forest National Park with some peace and quiet, the Onyx Bridge trail is perfect. When I hiked it in February, I didn’t see a single other person! The views as you descend into the canyon are incredible, and you’ll spot lots of petrified wood, interesting rocks, and birds along the way.
