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Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

The Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona was created to preserve the mineralized remains of Mesozoic Forests commonly known as the "Petrified Forest." The park is not only rich in plant fossils, but is an important site for Triassic vertebrate fossils. The park contains important archeological resources, including some of the most important rock art sites in the southwest, and several rare, endangered, and threatened species. Also included in the park's 93,533 acres are the multi-hued badlands of the Chinle Formation known as the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites and displays of 225 million-year-old fossils.

Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO) contains an extensive variety of significant natural and cultural resources, including some of the most valuable paleontological worldwide resources. The Chinle formation at Petrified Forest, recognized for the spectacular scenic landscapes of the Painted Desert and Blue Mesa, is one of the best places in the world for studying the Triassic period of the Earth's history. The Triassic period is considered by some palezoologists and paleobotanists to be the time when all modern ecosystems were established. PEFO contains unusually diverse Triassic fossil beds because of the unique series of geological events that occurred over extended time intervals. During the Triassic, enormous amounts of volcanic deposition (silt, mud, volcanic ash) were conducive to the rapid burial, preservation, and fossilization of the plants and animals inhabiting the ancient forest and adjacent lowlands. The petrified Araucarioxylon, Woodworthia, and Schilderia logs, commonly seen throughout the park today, are the remains of tall coniferous trees that fell and were subsequently carried by streams into the ancient flood plain.

By 100 million years ago, the area that would eventually become the park was buried under thick layers of sediment. Approximately 35 million years ago, the strata were uplifted, increasing their exposure to wind and rain which, over time, would remove numerous layers of "protective" sediments. Today, as the erosion process continues, additional logs are exposed as well as other important vertebrate fossils which may eventually degrade or lose their provenance. In some Triassic beds, up to 90 meters (300 feet) of fossil-bearing material remains. Exposed deposits within the park have contained over 148 species of fossilized plants and over 50 species of fossilized animals. Notable representatives of fossilized animals include metoposaurs (amphibians) and several thecodonts such as phytosaurs, aetosaurs, and poposaurs (early reptiles). Collectively, the ancient associations of plants and animals are representative of earlier Triassic ecosystems.

Summer hours are 7:00am to 7:00pm MST.
Winter hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm MST.

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Petrified Forest National Park Hiking

Petrified Forest NP Hiking
Petrified Forest NP HikingVisitors can drive the 28 miles of the Main Park road, stopping at any number of overlooks to see petrified wood, petroglyphs, archeological sites, and Painted Desert vistas.

For those who wish to explore the park for an extended period, backpacking is permitted. A free wilderness permit must be obtained at least one hour before the park closes. Permits are issued at Rainbow Forest Museum and Painted Desert Visitor Center. Hikers must park their cars and enter the wilderness at Kachina Point. A 1 mile access trail leads into the wilderness area. Campers must hike to a designated zone north of Lithodendron Wash before setting up camp. There are no trails or maintained campsites.

Along the 28-mile park road are overlooks, entries to hiking trails and the wilderness trailhead.

Tawa Point and Rim Trail Easy one-mile round trip walk along the rim of the Painted Desert between Tawa and Kachina Point.

Blue Mesa and Blue Mesa Trail 3-mile vehicle loop road with views of clay hills, log falls and a pedestal log. One-mile loop trail, moderately difficult, drops into the badlands; self-guiding trail.

Jasper Forest Overlook See petrified logs strewn across the landscape.

Crystal Forest Trail Easy 0.75-mile loop trail winds through petrified logs that once held clear quartz and amethyst crystals.

Long Logs Trail Easy 0.5-mile trail through a large concentration of petrified wood. Trail closed 1/2 hour before park closes.

Agate House Trail Easy 0.8-mile walk (one way) to a partially restored pueblo built of petrified wood. Trail closed 1/2 hour before park closes.

Giant logs Trail Easy 0.4-mile paved trail leads you to the largest log in the park. Trailhead at Rainbow Forest Museum.

Wilderness Hiking and Camping Park at Kachina Point. Wilderness trail begins on the north side of Painted Desert Inn. Free permit is requited for overnight camping; available at Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum up to 1 hour before the park closes. Water is not available in the backcountry. Carry one gallon of water per person per day. There are no designated campsites. No permit is required for day use. Pets are prohibited in wilderness area.

Petrified Forest National Park Camping

Petrified Forest NP Camping
Petrified Forest NP CampingFor those who wish to explore the Petrified Forest Park for an extended period, backpacking and overnight camping is permitted. A free wilderness permit must be obtained at least one hour before the park closes. Permits are issued at Rainbow Forest Museum and Painted Desert Visitor Center. Hikers must park their cars and enter the wilderness at Kachina Point. A 1 mile access trail leads into the wilderness area. Campers must hike to a designated zone north of Lithodendron Wash before setting up camp. There are no trails or designated campsites. Water is not available in the backcountry. Carry one gallon of water per person per day. No permit is required for day use. Pets are prohibited in wilderness area.

Petrified Forest National Park Equestrian

Petrified Forest NP Horseback Riding
Petrified Forest NP Horseback RidingHorseback riding and pack animals are permitted in the wilderness. Overnight campers are limited to 6 animals. All feed and water must be packed in. All regulations pertain to horse use in the wilderness.

Riders must park their vehicles and enter the wilderness at Kachina Point. A 1 mile access trail leads into the wilderness area. Campers must hike to a designated zone north of Lithodendron Wash before setting up camp. There are no trails or designated campsites. Water is not available in the backcountry. Carry one gallon of water per person per day. No permit is required for day use. Pets are prohibited in wilderness area.

Petrified Forest National Park Visitors Centers

Painted Desert Visitor Center
Painted Desert Visitor CenterExhibits include general park information & orientation with Hands-on Geology exhibits. A 20-minute video is shown every 1/2 hour. A Bookstore and Restrooms are available.

The Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Rainbow Forest Museum are also located in the Park for extended information with exhibits of early reptiles, dinosaurs, and petrified wood, and an audio-visual exhibit of a recent fossil dig.