Top Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park
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Top 10 Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park, Petrified Forest National Park
Located in northeast Arizona, this park features one of the world's largest and most colorful arrays of petrified wood.
1. Painted Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,449 reviews
This desert is famous for its striking bands of colors.
Reviewed By Chuck2010 - Palmyra, United States
We entered the park off I-40 beyond Holbrook, AZ ... The park road just beyond Blue Mesa is closed due to construction. You can see the first 16 miles before needing to turn around and head back. Seeing the park from north to south gives you the painted desert viewpoints, the historic painted desert inn, route 66 site, pueblo dwellings, newspaper rock, blue mesa, and petrified logs ... nice variety and all great to see!
2. Rainbow Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
An area in the south side of the Petrified Forest National Park.
Reviewed By CWGross - Calgary, Canada
The Rainbow Forest isn't a specific PLACE in Petrified Forest National Park. It is the southernmost region of the park where you find most of the petrified wood deposits. The northernmost region, by contrast, is the Painted Desert. The Rainbow Forest is most accessible through the Giant Logs trail behind the Rainbow Forest Museum and the nearby Long Logs trail. If you are coming to Petrified Forest specifically to see the petrified wood deposits, then this is the section you want to give the most time to. We actually started at the north gate, at the Painted Desert, and ended up feeling a bit rushed by the time we finally got down to the Rainbow Forest, which I regret. When we go back (I've already decided it's a WHEN, not an IF!), we're going to focus on just the Rainbow Forest. You get a neat effect going north to south, because the petrified wood deposits get bigger and more voluminous as you go, climaxing in the Rainbow Forest, but if you do that make sure you give yourself a full day. By the time we got to the park and had lunch, we didn't actually get IN the park until noon. The Long Logs trail closed at 5:30, the museum closed at 5 or 6, and the park road closed at 7, and that sneaks up on you sooner that you expect. If you're undecided about Petrified Forest, DO IT. It's not a scenically dramatic park like Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, etc. What is most fascinating about Petrified Forest, and the Rainbow Forest in particular, is what you find there: endless fields of massive 225 million year old logs, dating back to the primordial swamps in which dinosaurs were just small newcomers. It's one of the most famous palaeontological sites in the WORLD, let alone the United States. If you're making your way out to Northern Arizona to see the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater and all that, you owe it to yourself to see Petrified Forest too.
3. Blue Mesa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Craig-World-Travelle - Agoura Hills, United States
Amazing views of these blue badlands from both lookouts and also from the hike. The hike is a bit steep for 1/4 mile but the trail is great - asphalt. If you can do the 1 mile loop hike it is really worth it as you get up close to the hills and a different perspective. The lookouts from up top are also beautiful and just a few steps from the parking lots. Best place for photos. A must see when you visit the National Park.
4. Giant Logs Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By snpkelley - Uniontown, United States
This is a nice short trail with lots of wood and you can get up close and look at it. This was one of our favorite parts of the petrified national forest.
5. Crystal Forest Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By 581colleenc - Troy, United States
This trail is in the southern end of the Petrified Forest. The trail is a loop that is just under a mile in distance total. The trail is paved, easy walk and the best way to see an abundant amount of the mineralized trees. All the trees are sooo different take the time to look at the different colors represented. Plenty of parking available.
6. Painted Desert Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By Craig-World-Travelle - Agoura Hills, United States
Wish we could stay here at this beautiful restored motel. It is just open for viewing these days but it is worth a few minutes to walk around. They have a menu of the food prices from the days long ago. Beautiful architecture. Nice murals and photos from the past.
7. Newspaper Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By sc40sumthin - Greenville, United States
Viewable without the scopes - I'm not sure why others have remarked that these are not visible. Clearly visible with the naked eye. The scopes do offer a more detailed view as well as the zoom lens of my camera.
8. Jasper Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By J2938ILrichardm
This is one of the stops you make on the road from the entrance to the exit. Be sure to stop and take a few photos.
9. Painted Desert Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By JustDriving71 - Fort Myers, United States
There are only restrooms at the visitors centers and it is a long drive through the park so be sure to stop here. There is a nice gift shop and some interesting historical features and items to help you learn about this wonderful park.
10. Rainbow Forest Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Susan47421 - Bedford, United States
This is the place to learn more about Petrified Forest National Park from informative displays & helpful employees. Highlights include full size skeletal displays of prehistoric animals, petrified wood & a well stocked gift shop. I was glad our tour included this stop.
