National Parks are meant to be explored and loved for all the beautiful things they have to offer. Â Often times, you need several days or even a few weeks to really experience a park. Â At Petrified Forest National Park, it only takes 1 day to fall in love with this park.
Entering the Park
Conveniently located just off Interstate 40, you have two options for entering the park depending on which direction you’re going.  If you’re heading west, take exit 311 and use the north entrance to the Painted Desert Visitor Center.  From the east, you’ll go through Holbrook.  Take exit 285 and drive about 20 miles to the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center.  Either option is great because whichever one you enter, you’ll just exit out the other.  You won’t miss a thing!
North Side of the Park
The north side of the park (north of I-40) is a bit smaller than the south side, but it is so beautiful. Â There are 3 areas that you will certainly want to see as you make your way through the park.
Overlooks
There are 8 overlooks to views of the Painted Desert.  Choose from Tiponi Point, Tawa Point, Kachina Point, Chinde Point, Pintado Point, Nizhoni Point, Whipple Point, or Lacey Point.  Tiponi has great views with all that color, if that’s what you’re looking for.  There are restrooms and a picnic area at Chinde.  It would be a great place to stop and have lunch.
Painted Desert Inn
This beautiful historic landmark has been around for almost 100 years! Â While originally, it was an inn that welcomed overnight guests, now it functions as a museum. Â Learn about historic Route 66 and the Civilan Conservation Corps that shaped this park.
Route 66
If you need a little more Route 66 in your life, stop by the 1932 Studebaker before you head across the bridge to the south side of the park.
South Side of the Park
Get ready to spend a little more time outside of your car on this side of the park. Â There are several hiking trails you need to experience.
Newspaper Rock
Park your car and take a short walk to an overlook where you can see over 650 petroglyphs.  If you know us at all, we absolutely could not miss seeing some petroglyphs.  These were a bit on the tough side to see, but we were able to make out a few.  Unfortunately, you can’t get really close to them which makes details somewhat difficult, but we loved getting to see a few of them.
Blue Mesa Trail
Blue Mesa is a 1 mile loop trail and our favorite hike in the park.  The trail is fairly easy except for the steep incline at the very beginning and end.  It has been compared to views you see in Badlands National Park with all the color variation.  You’ll also find beautiful petrified wood along the trail.  We love this hike because it has everything Petrified Forest National Park has to offer in one trail. Â
Crystal Forest Trail
This 0.75 mile trail is paved and has many petrified logs.  You may notice a bit of a shimmer if the sun hits them just right.  That is from quartz crystals and the reason for the naming of the trail.  If you’re lucky, you may even come across a collared lizard on this hike.
Rainbow Forest Museum
Enjoy the park film, paleontology exhibits, and access to the Giant Logs Trail at this stop.  There is also a bookstore and restrooms for your convenience.  Make sure to pick up a Jr Ranger book while you’re here (you can also get one at the Painted Desert Visitor Center).
Giant Logs Trail
If you came to Petrified Forest National Park wanting to see the wood it is known for, this is the trail for you.  It’s a short 0.4 mile loop that starts at the museum.  You’ll see giant petrified wood and great views of the park from the top of the trail.  There are 11 marked stops on this hike and you can get a FREE guide at the trailhead.
Long Logs & Agate House
In the same parking lot as the Rainbow Forest Museum, you can walk to the long logs and agate house trails. When combined, these trails are 2.6 miles round trip. Just like in the name, you’ll see logs upwards of 180 feet as well as a pueblo that has 7 rooms and is made from petrified wood.
There are so many options and things to see at Petrified Forest.  I encourage you do all the above things mentioned, but if you are really short on time make sure you hike the Giant Logs Trail, Blue Mesa Trail, and stop at Tiponi Point.  I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time though.  You’ve got all day!
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Petrified Forest National Park or the National Park Service.
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