Petrified Forest National Park Tours
40 Reviews
Featuring a colorful desert landscape with significant deposits of petrified wood from the late Triassic period, Petrified Forest National Park is an Arizona treasure. Highlights include the Painted Desert badlands that cover the northern area, Blue Mesa Road Loop, and Newspaper Rock, covered with ancient petroglyphs.
The Basics
Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers will want to spend as much time as possible among the natural wonders of the Petrified Forest, including Crystal Forest, Black Forest, and Rainbow Forest. The Painted Desert offers a multitude of trails for visitors to explore the striated mounds of sedimentary rock. Many travelers opt to combine guided tours with visits to other attractions in Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Visitors can reach Petrified Forest National Park, about two hours east of Flagstaff via I-40, by car or organized tour. Both visitor centers have ample parking and turnouts for large recreational vehicles.
When to Get There
Temperatures top out above 90°F (32°C) during the summer days but drop to around 40°F (4°C) at night; spring and fall are more popular times to visit. The park is open every day except Christmas, as are the Painted Desert Visitor Center, the Rainbow Forest Museum, and the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.
The More You Know
A variety of educational programs, led by park rangers, are offered throughout the year at Petrified Forest National Park. Activities include a Puerco Pueblo guided walk, a trek along the Giant Logs Trail, a lecture at the Rainbow Forest Museum about the Triassic period, and a tour of Painted Desert Inn. Kids can learn more about the park when they complete a booklet to become a junior park ranger.
The Basics
Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers will want to spend as much time as possible among the natural wonders of the Petrified Forest, including Crystal Forest, Black Forest, and Rainbow Forest. The Painted Desert offers a multitude of trails for visitors to explore the striated mounds of sedimentary rock. Many travelers opt to combine guided tours with visits to other attractions in Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring layered clothing, as the desert temperature can fluctuate wildly throughout the day.
- The Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum are good places to start for an orientation to the area.
- Seven maintained hiking trails allow pets on leash, but no bicycles. (Check out the off-the-beaten-path Jasper Forest hike.)
- No overnight accommodations are available in the park, but nearby Holbrook has several options.
- National park fees get you into the park, but 7-day passes are also available.
How to Get There
Visitors can reach Petrified Forest National Park, about two hours east of Flagstaff via I-40, by car or organized tour. Both visitor centers have ample parking and turnouts for large recreational vehicles.
When to Get There
Temperatures top out above 90°F (32°C) during the summer days but drop to around 40°F (4°C) at night; spring and fall are more popular times to visit. The park is open every day except Christmas, as are the Painted Desert Visitor Center, the Rainbow Forest Museum, and the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.
The More You Know
A variety of educational programs, led by park rangers, are offered throughout the year at Petrified Forest National Park. Activities include a Puerco Pueblo guided walk, a trek along the Giant Logs Trail, a lecture at the Rainbow Forest Museum about the Triassic period, and a tour of Painted Desert Inn. Kids can learn more about the park when they complete a booklet to become a junior park ranger.
Address: Arizona, USA
Admission: Varies
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Petrified Forest National Park
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Full-day Tours45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
Take an exhilarating helicopter flight that whisks you from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to the North Rim. Through the ECO-Star helicopter’s panoramic windows, see the world's largest ponderosa pines in Kaibab National Forest and the mighty Colorado River. Snap photos of the Painted Desert, Desert View Watchtower, Marble Canyon, and Point Imperial before your return flight takes you through the dramatic backdrop of the Dragon Corridor. Choose from a wide selection of departure times to suit your schedule.
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- 45 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$279.99
Day TripsGrand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas with Optional Helicopter Tour
Explore the Grand Canyon on this guided, small-group full-day sightseeing adventure around the South Rim. Beginning in Las Vegas, travel through the Mojave Desert and along famous Route 66 en route to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim for an entertaining and educational narrated minivan tour. See a number of different panoramic views from various lookout locations while learning about the history and geology of the canyon from the expert tour guide. A picnic lunch, snack, and bottled water, plus transportation, entry fees and a Las Vegas hotel pickup and drop-off are all included.
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- 12 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$249.00
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