Visitor Centers

The Painted Desert Visitor Center is currently closed for construction, but you can still visit the surrounding community complex.

NPS Photo

Painted Desert Community Complex

The community complex area is open all year and located at exit #311 off of I-40.

Painted Desert Visitor Center: Operating Hours & Seasons

Know before you go! Check for current status and operating hours of the Painted Desert Visitor Center.

The Painted Desert Visitor Center found in the historic Painted Desert Community Complex is currently closed for construction but the following amenities are still available:

• Restaurant

• Short loop walking trail with signs 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 Photo

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. The Painted Desert Inn serves as the north visitor center and 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 Photo

Rainbow Forest Museum

Located in the Rainbow Forest Complex near the southern entrance station, the museum is housed in one of many historic buildings in the park. Visitors can find the following amenities:

• 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.