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Petrified Forest National Parkpedestal log, Photo by Marge Post/NPS
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Petrified Forest National Park
Things To Do
Painted Desert Visitor Center

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

 

 
Old Faithful log along the Giant Logs Trail

Photo by Marge Post/NPS

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

If you have several hours, add....

 
Painted Desert filled with clouds during a temperature inversion

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
spiral petroglyph marks the summer solstice  

Did You Know?
Petroglyphs are sometimes calendars, marking events like the summer solstice with interactions between the glyph, the sun, and natural landscape features.

Last Updated: July 08, 2009 at 14:05 EST