Petrified Forest National Park | The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary

If you’re road-tripping through northern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park might not scream “must-see” at first glance. But spend just one day here, and it might become one of the most unexpectedly beautiful stops on your route. Colorful badlands, ancient fossils, sweeping desert views—this place has a quiet magic that’s easy to overlook and hard to forget.

Whether you’re making a quick stop or carving out a full day, here’s everything you need to know to plan your Petrified Forest one day itinerary.

First, Is Petrified Forest Worth Visiting?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: If you enjoy alien landscapes, wide-open skies, and history measured in millions of years instead of centuries—then it’s absolutely worth your time. People often ask, is Petrified Forest worth visiting? or is Petrified Forest worth seeing? And while it’s not as iconic as the Grand Canyon or as lush as Zion, it offers something they can’t: a surreal, otherworldly terrain dotted with ancient, crystallized wood. Plus, way fewer crowds.

How Long Do You Need to See Petrified Forest?

One day is ideal. You can drive through in an hour or two, but to actually enjoy the park—to stop at overlooks, walk a few short trails, and take in the scenery—how long does it take to visit Petrified Forest National Park? Plan for 4 to 6 hours minimum. If you’re aiming to follow a full Petrified Forest one day itinerary, you’ll want to budget at least 5 hours, especially if you’re taking photos or hiking a bit.

Petrified Forest Entrance Fee

Let’s talk money. How much does it cost to go to Petrified Forest? The current Petrified Forest entrance fee is $25 per private vehicle, valid for 7 days. If you’ve got an America the Beautiful annual pass, that gets you in for free. Worth noting if you’re stacking national parks on one trip.

One Day in Petrified Forest National Park: Itinerary Overview

Here’s a simple but satisfying way to spend one day in Petrified Forest National Park:

1. Start at the Painted Desert Visitor Center (North Entrance)

Grab a map, use the restrooms, refill your water, and get oriented. You’ll be starting on the Painted Desert side and working your way south.

Must-see nearby stops:

• Tiponi Point

• Tawa Point

• Painted Desert Inn (quick but interesting historic building)

2. Stop at Blue Mesa Trail

Midway through the park, this is the don’t-miss trail. The loop is just over a mile and takes you down into striped badlands that feel like walking on another planet.

Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate (paved, but with some incline)

3. Lunch Stop

Pack a picnic—there are a few picnic areas with shaded tables along the drive. No food is sold in the park itself, so come prepared.

4. Crystal Forest & Giant Logs Trail

These two short walks get you up close to the famous petrified wood. The colors and textures are surprisingly vibrant. Petrified Forest one day isn’t complete without these.

• Crystal Forest: 0.75 mile loop, mostly flat

• Giant Logs Trail: Right behind the south visitor center, with the biggest log in the park (“Old Faithful”)

5. Stop by the Rainbow Forest Museum (South Entrance)

End your visit here. There’s a small museum with fossils and geology displays, plus restrooms and a bookstore.

Optional Add-ons (If You Have Extra Time)

• Puerco Pueblo Ruins: Ancient petroglyphs and a partially excavated pueblo

• Newspaper Rock: Hundreds of petroglyphs visible from a viewing platform

• Route 66 Pullout: There’s an old car and signage marking where the famous highway once ran through the park

Final Thoughts

Petrified Forest is one of those rare parks that rewards both the drive-through visitor and the curious wanderer. You can see a lot in just a few hours, or linger all day and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. So if you’re wondering how long do you need to see Petrified Forest, the answer is simple: one day is enough to fall in love with it.

Planning Tips

• Best time to visit: Fall or spring (summer gets brutally hot)

• Hours: The park is only open during daylight hours—entry and exit are locked when it closes

• Cell service: Limited

• Facilities: Few and far between, so plan bathroom breaks strategically

Got questions or want to share your own Petrified Forest National Park in one day experience? Let us know in the comments below.

And if you’re planning a larger Southwest road trip, check out our other guides for route planning, gear, and more.