Visitor Centers

See Operating Hours & Seasons for current visitor center hours.

 

Painted Desert Visitor Center is currently closed for construction.

NPS

Painted Desert Comunity Complex

Open all year and located at exit #311 off of I-40
The Painted Desert Visitor center found in the historic Painted Desert Community Complex is currently closed for constrution but the following ammenaties are still available.

• restaurant
• short loop walking trail with signage exploring park points of interest
• trailhead for the Tawa Trail
• Plants of the historic plaza
• gift shop
• gas station
• postal drop box
• picnic pavilion
• public restrooms
• dog park

 

Morning sun warms the walls of the historic inn

NPS

Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark

Located at Kachina Point, 2 miles (3.2 km) from the north entrance at exit #311 off of I-40. The inn once served as a respite for travelers along historic Route 66. Read more on the inn's history pages. Painted Desert Inn serves as the north visitor center. Services include:

• visitor information and orientation
• bookstore
• museum and gallery space
• Ice Cream Parlor
• gift shop
• sweeping desert vistas
• access to Painted Desert Rim Trail and Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area
• public restrooms

 

Rainbow Forest Museum's Blue Mesa Room takes you back in time.

NPS

Rainbow Forest Museum

One of many historic buildings in Rainbow Forest Complex
Located near the southern entrance to the park, off US-180
Services include:

• visitor information, orientation, and backcountry permits
• paleontological exhibits complete with skeleton displays of prehistoric animals
• bookstore
• Access to Giant Logs, Long Logs, and Agate House Trails
• gift shop with limited snacks
• picnic pavilion
• public restrooms
• park movie at the gift shop.