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
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Nature & Wildlife,
Walking/Hiking,
Monument - Natural,
National Park
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
Review by Marcia N, November 2012
Doing what: Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Sedona
This was an amazing day in general, but our tour guide made it the very best! We would recommend this tour company and especially Dave as a class act. We were well cared for and had a full 12 hour day of a variety of experiences we will never forget. Dave was extremely knowledgeable and a perfect host in every way. Outstanding day!!
Review by emily w, July 2012
Doing what: Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Sedona
It was great. The train ride was relaxing and gave us time to wake up before touring the canyons. The bus driver was great and very personable. He gave us so much information about the canyons. The DVD on the way back was so good no one fell asleep!! Great day!
Review by Gary C, July 2012
Doing what: Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Sedona
Our day trip to the Grand Canyon was very enjoyable. It was a long drive, but the time went by fast with the narration from the guide and the movies he showed about the area. The information from the guide was very interesting and he knew the best places to take pictures.
Practical Info
The Petrified Forest National Park is located about 2 hours east of Flagstaff.
