Petrified Forest National Park

Park Hours: 8am to 5pm, MST. Don’t forget that Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings. Petrified Forest is best known for its Triassic fossils. It’s like having two parks in one, an ecosystem over 200 million years old with plants and animals now represented in the surreal landscape of the Painted Desert. There is also a living park with its own denizens adapted to a demanding environment.

Sunlit Painted Desert hills of the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area

About Petrified Forest National Park

Park Hours: 8am to 5pm, MST. Don't forget that Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings. Petrified Forest is best known for its Triassic fossils. It's like having two parks in one, an ecosystem over 200 million years old with plants and animals now represented in the surreal landscape of the Painted Desert. There is also a living park with its own denizens adapted to a demanding environment.

Quick Facts

Location: AZ
Designation: National Park

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $25.00

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days.

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Valid for 7 days.

Entrance - Motorcycle $20.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Commercial Entrance - Sedan $25.00

$25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

Commercial Entrance - Per Person $10.00

$25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

Commercial Entrance - Van $50.00

Capacity of 7 to 15 passengers - $50 (Vans). If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus $60.00

Capacity of 16-25 passengers - $60 If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach $150.00

Capacity of 26+ passengers - $150 (Large tour buses, motorcoaches). If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

Entrance - Non-commercial Groups $15.00

Capacity of 16 or more $15/person. Anyone that is 15 or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee, in addition to anyone with a valid pass. A pass may cover immediate family members or up to 4 people traveling with the group. A non-commercial organized group is a group traveling together, such as scouts, a club, a church, or other group that has organized its own itinerary. Fees are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

Operating Hours

Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Wednesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Astronomy Stargazing Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Compass and GPS Geocaching Orienteering Food Dining Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hands-On Citizen Science Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Off-Trail Permitted Hiking Horse Trekking Horse Camping (see also camping) Horseback Riding Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Petrified Forest National Park with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Find Hotels Near Petrified Forest National Park

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Essential Park Gear

Recommended equipment for your visit

Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City

Find national parks near these cities, including Petrified Forest National Park.

Scroll to Top