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OverviewInterstate 40 bisects Petrified Forest National Park in northeast Arizona, making a visit quite easy even for those just passing through.
Information, Petrified Forest National Park
Explore Information in Petrified Forest National Park with grouped stops, trails, and related park places collected under the same planning theme.
Information Stops and Trip Ideas
Use this Information guide to compare the stops that belong together in Petrified Forest National Park, then decide which ones deserve map time or a saved trip stop.
Basic Information
Openings and SeasonsPetrified Forest National Park is open year-round except for Christmas Day.
Basic Information
GasThere's a gas station inside the park at the Painted Desert Visitor Center on I-40. Gas is also available outside the park in Holbrook, 32 miles to the southwest.
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FoodThe Painted Desert Diner is next to the Painted Desert Visitor Center, and there's a convenience store available for snacks as well.
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ShoppingPark concessionaire Ortega operates two gift shops, a convenience store, a gas station and a restaurant within the park.
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Driving DirectionsPetrified Forest National Park is in remote northeastern Arizona, about 50 miles from the New Mexico border on Interstate 40.
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Cell Phone ServiceCell phone service is available within the most developed portions of the park near Interstate 40, but gets spottier as you venture further away.
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SafetyThere are a few safety considerations to take into account when visiting Petrified Forest.
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BackcountryOver fifty thousand acres of Petrified Forest National Park, in both the north and south units, is designated Wilderness Area.
Activities
Horseback RidingHorseback riding within the wilderness area of Petrified National Forest is a popular activity.
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HistoryPetrified Forest National Park has a geological history that stretches back millions of years, and human history that stretches back 13,000 years.
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WildlifeAnimal residents at Petrified Forest run the gamut from amphibians to birds, insects, reptiles, spiders and mammals.
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Trees and PlantsPetrified Forest features plenty of live plants, not just petrified ones.
Activities
Sunrise/SunsetPetrified Forest National Park offers a number of good spots for sunrise and sunset viewing.
Activities
Ranger Led ProgramsPetrified Forest National Park offers ranger guided experiences throughout the year.
Basic Information
AccessibilityRestrooms, visitor centers, and picnic areas are accessible for accessible with assistance for wheelchairs. The park film is open captioned. There is a free book in braille available at visitor centers. Service animals are welcome everywhere in the park.
Activities
Scenic ViewingOne of the best and easiest ways to take in the scenery at Petrified Forest is by taking the point-to-point main road through the park.
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MuseumsRainbow Forest Museum near the south entrance of the park offers exhibits of petrified wood, fossils and dioramas of prehistoric animals.
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Wildlife ViewingThere are many types of animals at Petrified Forest, including amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles.
Activities
BirdingPetrified Forest features habitats for many different types of birds, many of which are migratory.
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SupportThe park's main cooperating association is the non-profit Petrified Forest Museum Association.
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PetroglyphsHuman beings have lived in Petrified Forest National Park for over 13,000 years, and have left evidence of that residency in the form of petroglyphs.
