Quick Facts | Top Experiences | Best time to Visit | Guides
Petrified Forest National Park in northeast Arizona showcases one of the world’s largest concentrations of fossilized wood. This unique landscape also features ancient human history, colorful desert vistas, and unique fauna like Pronghorns and Mule Deer.
Petrified Forest Quick Facts
Native Lands: Diné Bikéyah, Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Shiwinna/Zuni (Native Land Digital)
Founded: December 8, 1906
Annual Visitors: 315,951 visitors in 2025
Size: 142,000 acres
Location: Arizona
Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle
Notable Fact: Petrified Forest is the only National Park through which the historic Route 66 runs!
Top Experiences in Petrified Forest
- Drive the Petrified Forest Scenic Drive
- Stop at Scenic Viewpoints along the way
- Hike Blue Mesa Trail
- Get Ice Cream at the Painted Desert Inn
- Go Stargazing at Night
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest
The best time to experience Petrified Forest National Park is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (March through May) and Fall (October and November). This is when the weather is mild, both temperature-wise and rain-wise. Mid-June through late September, beyond having scorching daytime temps, is monsoon season in the park.