Dark Sky Viewing

Stargazing at Hozho

NPS

Petrified Forest National Park is an International Dark Sky Park. To enjoy the park after dark, you can backpack into the wilderness overnight (requires a free permit) or get one of our new Dark Sky Viewing Permits. This permit allows the permittee to stay past park closing hours to stargaze or do Astrophotography. This is a free permit, two issued per day, first come, first serve—no reservations. The visitor will still have to pay the entrance fee or use their pass to enter the park and must be through the entrance station before the park closes. Dark Sky Viewing Permits are issued 8am-4:30pm daily at Painted Desert Visitor Center only. Permit holders may only park at the designated areas listed on the permit.