NPS Photo

Painted Desert Visitor Center is located at the north end of the park off Interstate 40.

If you have one hour:

• Stop at the Painted Desert Visitor Center
• Drive through the park (28 miles) 
• Stop at Kachina Point 
• Drive Blue Mesa Road 
• Stop at Rainbow Forest Museum

Photo by Marge Post/NPS

A visitor examines Old Faithful log along the Giant Logs Trail.

If you have several hours, add....

• Watch the park film
• Stop at Painted Desert Inn Museum
• Stop at several other overlooks 
• Walk the Puerco Pueblo Trail
• Walk the Giant Logs Trail 
• Attend a Ranger Program

Marge Post/NPS

Painted Desert sometimes fills with clouds during rare temperature inversions.

If you have half a day, add....

• Walk the trails at Painted Desert Rim, Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, Long Logs and Agate House.
• Attend several Ranger Programs

If you have a day or more, add....

• Hike into the Wilderness Area

NPS Photo

Painted Desert Plaza

Hungry?
There is a restaurant next to the Painted Desert Visitor Center, as well as a convience store for snacks. Some snacks are also available at the curio shop at Rainbow Forest.

Souvenirs?
Museum Association bookstores are offered at the Painted Desert Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark, and the Rainbow Forest Museum. Giftshops are located nearby the visitor center and museum.

Need Gas?
There is a gas station available next to the Painted Desert Visitor Center. Gas stations are also located in nearby communities.