Trip Planner: USA / Arizona / Petrified Forest National Park / Painted Desert

Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park

4.8

#1 of 12 in Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park

Like a striking canvas, the Painted Desert builds layer upon layer of color on hills made of siltstone, mudstone, and shale. The resulting view highlights the region's name, alternating oranges, white, reds, and pinks. This badlands area was formed of volcanic rock and limestone revealed by erosion over the years. Drive through the region along a paved road that stretches over plateaus on Navajo land with many lookout points. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Painted Desert by using our Petrified Forest National Park online vacation planner .

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Painted Desert Tours

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Places to stay near Painted Desert

Painted Desert Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,203 reviews

Google

5.0

By Stefano D On January 28, 2018

Una delle mia migliori esperienze di viaggio. Soprendente oltremodo, nonostante le enormi aspettative. Un'esperienza ai confini del surreale che scatenza la fantasia e l'immaginazione. Un paradiso per... more »

One of my best travel experiences. Very surprising, despite huge expectations. Scatenza the edge of surreal experience that fantasy and imagination. A paradise for photographers, like me.

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By Mike G On January 27, 2018

View after stunning view. Some nice short walks The 28 mile drive (west to east) starts with the painted desert and ends with the Petrified Forest. Best to stay in Holbrook more »
By Sharon C On January 22, 2018

How pleased we were with the drive through the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. We almost skipped it but are so very glad we asked locals and added this to our trip. Around every bend and over... more »

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By Toasty Hug On November 28, 2017

Such a cool place! Between the petrified logs and the colorful landscape this place is pretty amazing! Well worth the trip even if you only have a few spare hours like I did.

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By Katie On August 18, 2017

WOW!! This place is just breathtaking and just so amazing! The admissions is really reasonable and I personally didn't mind spending the admissions fee because it goes towards maintaining the grounds. It was just so crazy how the land is formed into this beauty. DEFINITLY TRY TO TRAVEL HERE AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE. This national park was not packed at all but had a good amount of people which was nice to see. I personally think that this national park is not hyped up enough and is well deserving of having more visitors.

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By Tom Blessie On May 9, 2017

A beautiful trip. Worth the drive from wherever you are coming from. The colors at sunset are amazing, like a real life painting.

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By BF Wilson On July 25, 2016

The rangers were very pleasant and helpful with the kids. Junior Ranger badges and patches along with the packets. Store prices seem much more reasonable than Grand Canyon NP. Video is worth the watch and the drive is at least an hour but completely worth it. Southern stop of the loop includes dinosaurs.

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By Kristi Olsen On September 10, 2017

Beautiful place to go with your family

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