Petrified Forest National Park

AZ
Park Hours: 8am to 5pm, MST. Don't forget that Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings. Petrified Forest is best known for its Triassic fossils. It's like having two parks in one, an ecosystem over 200 million years old with plants and animals now represented in the surreal landscape of the Painted Desert. There is also a living park with its own denizens adapted to a demanding environment.
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WEATHER INFO

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.

Weather @ Petrified Forest
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last updated: 11 min

DIRECTIONS INFO

Barranca, New Mexico
Navigate to Park
5.2 hr
Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest stretches north/south between I-40 and Hwy 180. There are two entrances into the park.*** ***WESTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 311, drive 28 miles through the park to Hwy 180 at the south end. Travel 19 miles to return to I-40 via Holbrook.*** ***EASTBOUND I-40***Travelers should take Exit 285 into Holbrook then travel 19 miles on Hwy 180 to the park's south entrance. Drive 28 miles north through the park to return to I-40.
Alerts

PARK CLOSURE

What to Expect During Government Funding Lapse

There are currently no amenities or services available at Petrified Forest National Park due to the lapse in government funding.

INFORMATION

Painted Desert Visitor Center Temporary Closure and Relocation

In anticipation of a major construction project the Painted Desert Visitor Center on the north side of park will be closed starting 7/23/25. Visitor center operations will be located at the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station.

More Info