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

Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park

4.8

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

Desert Nature / 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. Put Painted Desert and other Petrified Forest National Park attractions into our Petrified Forest National Park tour planner, and watch your holiday take shape.

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Where to stay in Petrified Forest National Park

Since most visitors drive through Petrified Forest National Park, you won't find any developed accommodations inside the park. If you're not prepared to camp in the backcountry, pitch a tent at one of the campgrounds near the highway or bunk down in one of the travelers' motels in Holbrook, which lies about 32 km (20 mi) west of the park.

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2,095 reviews

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5.0

Catcusflower

If you are going through the Petrified Forest, you will drive through here as well. I don't think I would go out of our way to visit here, but we were passing through, so it was worth the drive. Park ... more »
ebenezermoon

Looking at the landscapes, you felt like you were looking at another world. It was unbelievable, beautiful and strange. Enjoyed stopping at every point and overlook on the 28-mile journey. A Must See. more »
Beth W

I wanted to write a review of the National Park, but couldn't find a link. We visited in June it was Hot! However, we enjoyed our visit to the park. It's mostly a 28 mile drive through the park with l... more »

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Tom Blessie

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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BF Wilson

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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Sarah Medcalf

Nestled near the Petrified Forest National Park the Painted Desert has a number of breath taking vistas that don't require a hike. Although, if hiking is your thing, trails and badlands weave through this Arizona gem. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop for some beautiful native art and colorful mementos before finding your favorite spot to watch the sun set.

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Chris Cumpian

Very pretty place! I wasn't expecting to see as many good views as we did. Definitely worth the little detour it took to get us here on our cross country road trip. Try to go during "Golden Hour" to get the best photos and you won't regret the small detour!

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Yvonne Lee

Beautiful sight everyone should see. Absolutely breathtaking. God's handiwork at his best. Amazing.

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