Petrified Forest National Park
State: Arizona
Size: 221,390 acres
Topography: Desert, Petrified Wood, Plateau
Peak Season: Spring & Fall
Nearest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – 2 hrs
Nearest Town: Holbrook, AZ
Top 5 Hikes
Blue Mesa Trail
Crystal Forest Trail
Agate House Trail
Puerco Pueblo Trail
Giant Logs Trail
Points of Interest
Petrified Wood: The park’s main feature, with stunning displays of fossilized trees, some dating back over 200 million years.
Blue Mesa: A colorful landscape of eroded hills and badlands, offering spectacular views and a popular hiking trail.
Newspaper Rock: A rock panel featuring ancient petroglyphs created by Native American cultures that once lived in the area.
Agate Bridge: A natural stone bridge formed by a large petrified log that has fallen and created an arch.
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking – Trails like Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, and Painted Desert Rim.
Fossil & Geology Exploration – One of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world.
Backcountry Hiking – Unique off-trail routes through the badlands.
Scenic Drives – The 28-mile park road offers incredible desert views.
Stargazing – A designated Dark Sky Park with minimal light pollution.
Camping
No frontcountry campgrounds
Backcountry Camping – Permits required for wilderness camping in designated areas.