LOVED the crystals and stuff here!!! There are Crystals, Onyx, Petrified wood pieces, jewelry, trinkets, clothes, cups, etc! It was also super hot but loved that this trip was all in our vehicle. I would recommend filling up BEFORE taking this very very long drive!! There is also a gas station right next to the gift/bathroom building if you need gas! Military members get in for free and they give you an annual pass you can use for any and all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands. It'll expire the next year! (2026 will expire in 2027) The burgers were good and I'd try out the fried zucchini sticks with some mayo! Not as bad as you think! Will add pics of items later! read more

Overall solid national park! Of course, this is all about the petrified wood, but the northern area of the park has badlands that are super colorful too. Be sure to visit that area - you won't regret it! I stopped by the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center first. This was a cool little museum that features the types of fossils found here, as well as the NPS gift shop. The bathrooms are right outside, as well as the Giant Logs Trail. Giant Logs features some of the largest and most colorful logs in the park. "Old Faithful", at the top of the trail, is almost ten feet wide at the base! If you had to only make one stop, make it be this one. If you're only exploring the southern portion of the park, my next recommendation would be the Blue Mesa Trail, since you get to see some badlands and hike down all the layers. This park is definitely worth a visit! read more

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I finally made it to this side of the Petrified Forest National Park... We missed entering by a half hour on November 22, 2025, but I still have big love for this area of Arizona. The colors of this desert remarkably rich and beautiful. If you plan on visiting, I encourage you to figure out which national park pass is for you and apply in advance - just keep it in your vehicle if you're the main driver: https://shop.usparkpass.com/ Get out. Walk around. Explore. Take only photos. Pack it in, pack it out. LNT - Leave No Trace. read more

Petrified Forest National Park - 11.22.2025 - Parks Near Me - Petrified Forest, Arizona

This is an amazing national park! Though I recommend the blue mesa trail more than the actual petrified wood part. I only say this because you will still see petrified wood on this hike, and the overall scenic part is just beautiful. I definitely recommend this as a scenic spot for taking fabulous pictures and videos! read more

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Wow...varied scenery, leisurely drive. Will likely take longer than advertised if you spend time on some trails and stop at the one outpost shop for some ice cream. Definitely worth the trip. read more

My husband has been eager to visit this place since our move to Arizona, and it took us a few years to finally have the opportunity. Experiencing this place in person is truly special, as neither photographs nor videos can fully capture its remarkable beauty. It is a must-see destination, and dedicating a morning or afternoon allows for a comprehensive exploration of all it has to offer. read more

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We enjoyed our trip through the petrified forest and painted desert. There are several vistas where you can pull off, walk around, and appreciate the views. The 28 mile journey through does take some time. We were coming from the west and should have come in at the west entrance which is smaller. Since we drove to the east entrance, we ended up back tracking quite a bit, but that was our fault. It was a fun time seeing the interesting landscape and rock formations. read more

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A beautiful part of the country that I've never seen before. There's a fuel station and information center at the entrance that makes stopping by and biting the park more convenient read more

Petrified Forest National Park - Parks Near Me - Petrified Forest, Arizona

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Decided to visit the petrified forest on our way back from Santa Fe. It's a national forest so if you've got a national, Park pass, this is covered. The national pass is $80 a year which covers all national parks. Without this you will pay $25 for one time entrance fee for the parks. It was definitely interesting to see the different ecosystems however, I can't say I would recommend if I didn't already have the national pass.Easy to get around and you can see most of it in about 45 minutes. It is also drivable to most of the sites. read more

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I don't want to leave a bad review since we didn't see it BUT it would be helpful if they said it was closed. Every online place and even the AM info radio station said it's open. It IS NOT open during this government shutdown. read more

Petrified Forest National Park - Parks Near Me - Petrified Forest, Arizona

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This is a stunning National Park that will surprise and awe you at every turn. What many look like a rolling desert flatland from the freeway unfolds itself into landscapes that your never imagined once you make the turn into the park. I hiked through the painted desert in the wilderness area and my eyes were wide open as I was fascinated by the geology and the incredible beauty of all the petrified wood - including giant whole trees, the black onyx and the powerful presence and mysteries of ancient cultures. read more

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Truly an amazing collection of vistas! Visiting Petrified Forest National Park should be on everyone's bucket list. The diversity of scenery in the park is stunning. The park is well-marked, and there is now an audioguide available online for listening while you traverse the park. The painted desert, the blue mesas, and the petrified logs are all marvels to behold, and there are other interesting historical sites that can be viewed in the park as well. We spent about 3 and a half hours here, and the time absolutely flew by. I cannot recommend Petrified Forest National Park enough! read more

Lotsa walking, lotsa hiking, lotsa water will be needed to approach one of the best known Late Triassic period surroundings. The park attracts many researchers, maybe more than guests - as not many like giving the convenience or air conditioning and driving. There is an incredible amount of natural formations, some easily identifiable others not, but they are there. Archeologists have been able to uncover well over 13,000 years of history here. There are still remnants of native Arizona grasslands. These are from the Triassic Period of our planet's history. It's hard to belief that this barren desert was once lush, green, and with every imaginable wildlife species of bird, fish and you name it. Off Route 66 (and I-40), the Mother Road, this place is easily accessible. In the like of Long Logs, Crystal Forest, Blue Mesa, Newspaper Rock and Agate Bridge, you most definitely be mesmerized with the experience. You'll find some ruins, pottery, petroglyphs, arrowheads and more as you meander through this vast area. You'll most definitely feel alone, isolated. Showing just how small we are. Ensure you have plenty of water and sunscreen, and don't do as we did arriving on a July day at 2pm. An early-morning or late afternoon visit is recommended. This is an awesome sight that words cannot give it justice. It's at least a once in a lifetime visit. You'll never forget it. read more

Great national park to visit here in Arizona. If you have not seen petrified wood, this is the place to see it. The park has two entrances. One at each end of the park and it cost $25 per car to enter. You can view the park, bring your dogs, kids, family, take pics and videos. Touch the petrified wood but you can't take any home with you. It was an experience seeing this park and we saw the whole park in about 3 hours. We did not purchase any wood at the shop outside the park, so we went in Holbrook town 25 miles away and got it for a fraction of the price this store was selling it. Can't wait for the next national park visit. read more

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Truly spectacular landscape! Being from the east coast, I've never seen anything like this before. There are plenty of trails, but if you are not able to walk, the good news there is a scenic drive throughout the park and you can get out at the scenic overlooks and take in the beauty. We only had a couple hours, and I can honestly say, if I had known how beautiful this park was, I would have planned a day or two just to explore. I will definitely come back! read more

Picturesque views and many interesting stops. Great walking trails and very helpful park rangers. read more

Petrified Forest National Park - Petrified wood log - Parks Near Me - Petrified Forest, Arizona

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They were not open! That's bull. Says they are open! Then get there and the gates are closed and a ranger is guarding gate!! October 8, 2026

I was told ahead of time that there is not much at the Petrified Forest National Park. This was from someone who was last there over 30 years ago. Wow, was it worth the drive. At first, you don't see much as you drive a very boring drive to get to the national park. Once you get there, however, you realize that the petrified forest area is just a small portion of what is offered here. The site has a road that goes throughout the park for over 20 miles. There are many stops to see natural wonders, Native American artifacts, ancient petroglyphs, and even historic sites from decades ago along the historic Route 66. The old Painted Desert Inn is part of this site. I wish I had allotted more time for this national park. I hope we can return someday. Don't miss this site! read more