Petrified Forest National Park

This protected area spans 346 square miles across the Painted Desert and features thousands of colorful petrified logs from ancient trees that lived over 225 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period.

Originally established as a national monument in 1906 and elevated to national park status in 1962, this site preserves geological formations and archaeological remains dating back over 12,000 years of human occupation.

The park contains over 1,200 archaeological sites including Puerco Pueblo, a 600-year-old ancestral Puebloan settlement with petroglyphs that reflect the deep cultural connections of indigenous tribes to this land.

The park operates year-round from 8 AM to 5 PM Mountain Standard Time with entrance fees required, featuring a 28-mile scenic drive connecting two visitor centers and multiple hiking trails ranging from easy paved walks to challenging backcountry routes.

Designated as both an International Dark Sky Park and tentative World Heritage Site, this location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities while preserving the world's largest concentration of petrified wood in a single area.

Location: Arizona

Inception: January 1, 1962

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/pefo

GPS coordinates: 35.08810,-109.80600

Latest update: August 1, 2025 08:15