Petrified Forest National Park
Holbrook, AZ
Fossil logs turned to rainbow quartz lie across the Painted Desert. It is the only national park that protects a stretch of Route 66.
Petrified Forest National Park near Holbrook, Arizona, protects fossilised tree trunks from trees that lived in the Triassic about 208 to 225 million years ago; dissolved silica from volcanic ash seeped into the wood and crystallised in it. Theodore Roosevelt protected the area as a National Monument in 1906, and it became a national park in 1962. It is the only park in the US national park system with a stretch of historic Route 66; a row of telephone poles still marks the old route.
The park road is 45 km (28 miles) long; just driving through takes about an hour, and half a day with stops. The north entrance is on I-40 (exit 311), the south entrance on U.S. 180. In the north are the overlooks across the Painted Desert and the Painted Desert Inn of 1924. In the middle come the ruins of Puerco Pueblo, the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock and Blue Mesa. In the south you find most of the petrified wood, for example on the Giant Logs Trail near the Rainbow Forest Museum.
For campers: you may only stay overnight as a backpacker with a free permit; lodging is available in Holbrook or Winslow. The best times to visit are March to April and October to November; summer is very hot.
- Nearest town
- Holbrook, AZ
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.9100, -109.8068
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA JourneyMotorhome stopover19 mi from Petrified Forest National ParkMotorhomes
- OK RV Park - HolbrookMotorhome stopover20 mi from Petrified Forest National ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest National Park is in Holbrook, AZ, at GPS 34.9100, -109.8068. It is about 47 mi from Show Low.
Can you camp near Petrified Forest National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Holbrook / Petrified Forest KOA Journey, about 19 mi away; within 25 mi there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest National Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part two: Oklahoma City to the Pacific and Neon, diners and endless horizons – Route 66 by camper from Chicago to Santa Monica.
What is there to see near Petrified Forest National Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Wigwam Motel (20 mi), Standin' on the Corner Park (51 mi), Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (58 mi) and Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park (68 mi).
When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)