Painted Desert Visitor Center (north end) has a 17-minute film on how wood is petrified. Rainbow Forest Museum (south end) has exhibits of petrified wood and of the area's geological story and human history. Two wilderness areas offer cross-country hiking and backpack camping. Ask about hiking, wilderness camping permits, weather conditions, and maps at visitor centers. There is no water away from the developed areas. Take plenty on hikes and overnight trips, and always start your return before half your water supply is gone!

At Painted Desert you'll find a restaurant, service station, and a gift shop. At Rainbow Forest there's a gift shop and a water fountain. Food and overnight accommodations may be found in nearby communities.

Camping and Picnics

There are no campgrounds in the park. Only wilderness backpack camping is allowed. Obtain the required free permit at a visitor center. Find picnic areas at Chinde Point and Rainbow Forest.

Getting There

Petrified Forest can be reached from either U.S. 180 or I-40. Eastbound Visitors should enter the park at the south entrance via US 180 from Holbrook, then travel north through the park, exiting eastbound on I-40. Westbound Visitors should use the north entrance off 1-40, proceed south through the park to US 180 to Holbrook and 1-40.

There is no direct public transportation servicing the national park. The nearest airports are in Flagstaff or Phoenix, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Take the bus (Greyhound) to Holbrook, Arizona. If you want to travel by trail, take Amtrak to Winslow, Arizona or Gallup, New Mexico. Rental cars are available at airports or locally in Winslow, Holbrook, or Gallup.

Weather

Collecting

Petrified Forest National Park was established to preserve the area for future generations. Therefore, collecting petrified wood, plants, animals, fossils, artifacts or any other object in the park is strictly prohibited.

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