Just a short drive from Holbrook—about 20 minutes east on I-40—you’ll hit Petrified Forest National Park, this incredible slice of northeastern Arizona packed with ancient trees turned to glittering stone and badlands that glow in every color of the rainbow.
Spanning over 200,000 acres, it’s basically two parks smashed together: the petrified wood zones in the south and the Painted Desert up north, all dating back to the Triassic period more than 200 million years ago.
If you’re a fan of dinosaurs, geology, Native American history, or just epic road trips, this place is a must.
And with Holbrook as your home base, you can easily turn it into a full adventure—hit the park during the day, then kick back in town with Route 66 diners and quirky shops.
A Quick History Lesson
Way back in the Late Triassic, this area was a lush floodplain with massive trees, rivers, and early dinosaurs roaming around.
Volcanic ash buried the fallen logs, and over time, silica-rich groundwater replaced the wood with quartz crystals, turning them into those rainbow-hued petrified logs you see today.
Fast forward, and humans showed up—ancient peoples like the Ancestral Puebloans left behind petroglyphs and ruins.
The park got protected in 1906 as a national monument and became a full national park in 1962. It’s not just rocks; it’s a time capsule of Earth’s wild past.
Park Highlights
Ancient Fossils and Petrified Wood
The star of the show is the petrified wood—huge logs scattered like fallen giants, sparkling in reds, yellows, and purples from minerals like iron and manganese.
You’ll spot fossils of early reptiles, amphibians, and even dinosaur tracks in some spots.
Don’t even think about picking up souvenirs—it’s illegal, but you can buy certified pieces in Holbrook’s rock shops.
Stunning Landscapes and Views
Head to the Painted Desert for those mind-blowing layered hills in shades of red, lavender, and gray—caused by volcanic ash and erosion over millions of years.
The badlands look like a painter’s palette, especially when the sun hits them at dawn or dusk.
Pull over at viewpoints like Tawa Point or Kachina Point for panoramas that stretch forever.
Cultural Sites and Wildlife
Check out ancient petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo, where you can see drawings of animals, spirals, and human figures etched by people 800 years ago.
The park’s also home to wildlife like pronghorn antelope, coyotes, bobcats, ravens, and all sorts of lizards and snakes adapting to the desert.
Keep an eye out while hiking—you might spot a herd grazing or a bird soaring overhead.
Things to Do
Top Hikes and Trails
The 28-mile park road is your main route, with tons of pullouts leading to short, easy trails perfect for all ages.
Start in the south at the Giant Logs Trail (0.4 miles), looping around massive petrified trunks, including “Old Faithful,” a 35-foot beast.
Then hit Crystal Forest (0.75 miles) for logs loaded with quartz crystals sparkling in the sun.
For something more immersive, try the Blue Mesa Trail (1-mile loop), descending into striped badlands with petrified wood chunks everywhere—it’s like walking on another planet.
Or the Long Logs Trail (1.6 miles round-trip), featuring the park’s biggest concentration of petrified trees, plus the nearby Agate House, a reconstructed pueblo made from petrified wood.
Up north, the Painted Desert Rim Trail (1 mile) offers killer views without much effort.
If you’re up for adventure, go off-trail in designated wilderness areas or join ranger-led “Off the Beaten Path” hikes.
Just remember to stay on paths in developed areas to protect the fragile ground.
Visitor Centers and Exhibits
Kick off at the Rainbow Forest Museum in the south, with fossil exhibits, a film on the park’s formation, and a bookstore.
Up north, the Painted Desert Visitor Center has more displays, a theater, and rangers ready with maps and advice.
Don’t skip the Painted Desert Inn, a historic adobe building from the 1930s with murals and views. It’s like stepping back in time.
Other Activities
Drive the scenic road for Route 66 vibes—there’s even a rusted 1932 Studebaker marking the old highway.
Join ranger programs, stargaze (it’s an International Dark Sky Park), or peek into the paleo lab. You can see scientists at work!
Pets are welcome on trails if leashed, and there’s a dog park area too.
Planning Your Visit
Entry costs $25 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass—totally worth it. The park’s open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST (Arizona skips daylight savings, so check your clocks).
Summers get hot (90s°F), so visit in spring or fall for milder weather. Bring water, snacks, hats, and sturdy shoes—no services inside except at the centers.
No camping in the park, but backcountry permits are free for overnight hikes.
For a one-day plan: Enter from the south near Holbrook, hit Rainbow Forest and southern trails, drive north through the badlands, stop at viewpoints, and exit via the north for Painted Desert overlooks.
It takes 3-5 hours, leaving time to chill in Holbrook.
Why Base in Holbrook?
Holbrook’s your gateway—stock up on supplies, grab breakfast at a classic diner, or browse petrified wood shops for legal keepsakes.
Stay in funky Route 66 motels like wigwam-shaped ones, and combine with local spots like our historic courthouse or golf course.
It’s family-friendly, budget-smart, and full of that Arizona spirit.
Head over soon—check nps.gov/pefo for updates, or drop by Holbrook’s visitor center for insider tips. The ancient world’s calling!
