Things To Do

Many people don't realize how much there is to do at Petrified Forest National Park! There is something to interest everyone here. Be sure to check our Calendar to see if something special is happening the day you will be here. Right now some things are limited due to safety considerations.

VIP David Denslow at the Temp PDVC — VIP David Denslow at the Temporary Painted Desert Visitor Center
NPS

Visitor Centers and Exhibits
Stop at Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum to plan your visit, ask questions, get your Junior Ranger booklet, and discover exhibits.

Car driving through the mesas and badlands of the park with a blue sky above. — Car driving through the mesas and badlands of the park.
NPS

Audio Tour

Listen to an audio tour with multiple stops along the park's road that can be downloaded before hand to use if you don't have a connection. There are two versions, one starting at the north end, the other from the south. Transcripts are included.

Woman stamping paper with cancellation passport stamps at visitor center. — NPS

Stamping
Collect dated and undated passport stamps for your passport book, map, brochure, journal, or forehead!

Museum Demonstration Lab
The Museum Demonstration Lab (Demo Lab) at the Painted Desert Visitor Center is where you can see one-of-a-kind fossils from Petrified Forest National Park being prepared by trained paleontologists! Peek through the window to see fossils from the museum collection. Watch a live microscope feed on the TV as paleontologists remove rock from fossil bone. Chat with scientists via a two-way, hands-free speaker.

Colorful classic cars parked at Crystal Forest — Classic Cars at Crystal
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Hit the Road
A good starting point is a drive through the park, stopping at some of the overlooks.

Hikers on the Blue Mesa Trail among colorfully banded badlands — Hikers on the Blue Mesa Trail
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Hit the Trail
There are maintained trails in the park that highlight topics like archeology, natural environments, and the famous petrified logs.

A guided hike into Devil's Playground.
NPS

Guided Activities
Join a ranger—or scientist, volunteer, cultural demonstrator, reenactor, or other field expert—for a guided activity.

Backcountry hikers amidst color badlands. — Backcountry Hike in Red Basin
NPS

Hiking
The adventurous hiker will love wandering off trail in the Petrified Forest. For those that want guidance we have Off the Beaten Path routes as well.

Tents glow under the night sky in the wilderness area

Backpacking
Hiking and camping in the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area is a great opportunity for solitude and adventure. Enjoy colorful sunsets, the incredible night sky, and inspiring sunrises.