Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. Photo: NPS Photo
- Entrance
- $25 per car
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- $45, U.S. residents
- Payment
- Card only, no cash
Work out the cost for your group
About Petrified Forest
A landscape where deep time lies fully on display, Petrified Forest National Park blends colorful badlands, vast grasslands, and one of the world’s largest and most vivid collections of petrified wood. Spanning more than 200 million years of geologic history, the park protects ancient fossils, ancestral Puebloan sites, habitat for desert animals, and a sweeping stretch of historic Route 66.
Things to do
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Become a BARK Ranger!
As long as you both follow the BARK Ranger rules, you can take your leashed dog, cat, or other pet almost everywhere you can go in the park.
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Collect Your Cancellation Stamps
Collect your cancellation stamp!
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Enjoy Horseback Riding
Bring your own horse and take a ride into the backcountry.
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Explore at the Paleo Exhibits at Rainbow Forest Museum
Explore the paleontology exhibits at Rainbow Forest Museum.
-
Go Bicycling
Bicycle—including ebikes—use is permitted on paved park roads and parking areas open to the public as well as some areas listed in the main text.
-
Go Geocaching
Go geocaching. There are multiple caches in the park including traditional and virtual.
Photos
Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark Photo: NPS Photo 
Agate House Photo: NPS Photo 
Puerco Pueblo Photo: NPS Photo/Andrew V. Kearns 
Blue Mesa Trail Photo: NPS Photo 
Jasper Forest Photo: NPS Photo/Andrew V. Kearns
Entrance fees
| Type | Price | Valid for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $25 | 7 days | All year |
| Per person, 16 and over | $15 | 7 days | All year |
Park annual pass
Come here often? Consider purchasing an annual pass. The park's annual pass costs $45 and is valid at Petrified Forest National Park. It admits the pass owner and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. The pass is available to purchase in the park at the entrance stations and is good for one year from the month of issue.
A park's own annual pass is sold to U.S. citizens and residents only. A U.S. resident who holds one covers everyone in their private vehicle, including nonresident passengers.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. About 10 inches (25.4 cm) of moisture comes during infrequent snow in the winter and often dramatic summer thunder-storms. Animals and plants are adapted to extremes in temperature and moisture. You should be ready too. Check out the forecast before you arrive and plan accordingly.
Hours
Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Getting there
Petrified Forest stretches north/south between I-40 and Hwy 180. There are two entrances into the park.*** ***WESTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 311, drive 28 miles through the park to Hwy 180 at the south end. Travel 19 miles to return to I-40 via Holbrook.*** ***EASTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 285 into Holbrook then travel 19 miles on Hwy 180 to the park's south entrance. Drive 28 miles north through the park to return to I-40.
Webcams
Visitor centers
Alerts
- Information: The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!
- Information: Park Headquarters Phones are Down
