Painted Desert & Petrified Forest
- Hours:Open year round. Hours vary depending on season.
- Admission:$10 per vehicle or $5 per person for a seven day pass
Must-Do Experience, Nature & Wildlife, Walking / Hiking, Monument - Natural, National Park
1:57 PM Sunday, May 27
Sunny. Mild.
7 day forecast »
If you want to see some of the coolest sites that nature has to offer, than few destinations are better than Arizona's own Petrified Forest National Park. The park is divided into two areas along a north-south corridor.
The northern half of the park is home to the famous Painted Desert, an 146 square mile (235 square meter) area of badlands. Composed of stratified layers of easily erodible siltstone, mudstone, and shale, these desert stones gain their varied pigmentation from the iron and magnesium compounds found within the rock layers. The site makes for an absolutely breathtaking expanse of colorful desert landscape.
"The southern half of the park is home to some of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. The major concentrations have been given various forest names such as "Black Forest," "Rainbow Forest," and "Crystal Forest." No matter which sites you go see, the park is full of unbelievable natural wonders that are sure to astound you with their scenic beauty.
Latest Reviews All Painted Desert & Petrified Forest Reviews »
Excellent way to see the Grand Canyon from various viewpoints. The train trip option was fun, but slow, even with the occasional entertainment. A good way to see the area though. Our tour guide, Joe, is a geology buff and was extremely knowledgeable about how the entire area from Sedona to the South Rim came into existence and how it evolved over the several millions of years. Very educational, and a great way to spend a full day.
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This was a very nice trip...wll organized, driver/tour guide shared lots of interesting information about the area. The bus/van could have been more comfortable, but I would certainly take another tour!
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The trip was great. The tour guide Dave very professional. Five srars
Thank you Dave.
Elizabeth and Kaz
Practical Info
The Petrified Forest National Park is located about 2 hours east of Flagstaff.
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