Sunlit Painted Desert hills of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area

National Park · Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park

A landscape where deep time lies fully on display, Petrified Forest National Park blends colorful badlands, vast grasslands, and one of the world’s largest and most vivid collections of petrified wood. Spanning more than 200 million years of geologic history, the park protects ancient fossils, ancestral Puebloan sites, habitat for desert animals, and a sweeping stretch of historic Route 66.

Arts and Culture
Cultural Demonstrations
Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Astronomy
Stargazing
Biking
Road Biking
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Compass and GPS
Geocaching
Orienteering
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking

Weather & when to go

Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. About 10 inches (25.4 cm) of moisture comes during infrequent snow in the winter and often dramatic summer thunder-storms. Animals and plants are adapted to extremes in temperature and moisture. You should be ready too. Check out the forecast before you arrive and plan accordingly.

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Valid for 7 days.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.
$10.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Capacity of 7 to 15 passengers - $50 (Vans). If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.
$50.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Capacity of 16-25 passengers - $60 If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.
$60.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Capacity of 26+ passengers - $150 (Large tour buses, motorcoaches). If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.
$150.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Capacity of 16 or more $15/person. Anyone that is 15 or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee, in addition to anyone with a valid pass. A pass may cover immediate family members or up to 4 people traveling with the group. A non-commercial organized group is a group traveling together, such as scouts, a club, a church, or other group that has organized its own itinerary. Fees are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.
$15.00

Operating hours

Park Road Hours

Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Petrified Forest National Park?: Entrance to Petrified Forest National Park costs $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person), $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Petrified Forest National Park?: Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Do I need a reservation for Petrified Forest National Park?: No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Petrified Forest National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.