News Release

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Painted Desert Inn

Painted Desert Inn under a Rainbow

NPS

News Release Date: June 14, 2024

Contact: Sarah Hervé, 928-241-4174

PETRIFIED FOREST, Ariz. – The Painted Desert Inn turns 100 this year! The Inn no longer hosts overnight travelers as it did when it opened in 1924, but visitors can still enjoy an ice cream cone as they marvel at the beauty of the Painted Desert. 

Join rangers at the Inn on June 21, 22, and 23, 2024, for special tours and activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Inn. 

Morning Hike, Friday June 21 – Lore’s Bridge
A ranger will lead hikers on a 3-mile round trip into the Painted Desert to Lore’s Bridge. This off-trail, desert hike is rated strenuous due to a steep 600-foot switchback. Reservations are required and no pets are allowed on the hike. Meeting time and place will be given when reservations are made. For more information or to make a reservation please contact Victoria Philpott by email only: [e-mail] 

Ranger Guided Tours, June 21, 22, and 23
Ranger guided tours of the Inn will be available at 10am, 1pm and 3pm each day and guest rooms will be open to explore just for the anniversary. Youth Crafts, June 21, 22, and 23 (while supplies last)Create your own punched “tin” lantern inspired by the historic tin fixtures, design a skylight tile, make a sun print, and color stickers daily.

Cultural Demonstrations
Members of nearby Native American communities will be on site to demonstrate traditional activities and skills such as jewelry making and rug weaving. Items will be available for sale. (June 21, 22, and 23)

Meet some of the “Harvey Girls”–women who worked at the Painted Desert Inn in the 1950s and 1960s for the Fred Harvey Company. (June 22)

Traditional Native American dancers will perform at 11am and 2pm (June 22)

Commemorative items: A special 100th anniversary Painted Desert Inn passport cancellation stamp and limited-edition stickers will be available. 

As always there are self-guided tours of the inn, a bookstore run by the park’s non-profit museum association, and ice cream and gifts offered by the park’s concessioner in the lower level. The inn is located 2 miles from Petrified Forest National Park’s north entrance off exit #311 from Interstate 40. Eastbound travelers wanting to explore the entire park, be sure to enter the south entrance off Highway 180 and travel north through the park.

To learn more about the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm.

Learn more about the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark at https://www.nps.gov/pefo/learn/historyculture/pdi.htm

Questions: email [e-mail] or call 928-524-6228 ext. 245.