Petrified Forest National Park
Hints to help you enjoy your visit!

Visitors to the Petrified Forest National Park may gaze across the landscape where remains of Triassic swamplands, marshes, rivers, lakes, and ponds are preserved in the colorful layers of rock. Short trails take the visitors through the "stone forest" where they can see sparkling crystals that make up the petrified wood. Mild fall days make hiking in the park very enjoyable. Located 25 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona on Interstate 40, the Petrified Forest is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The Rainbow Forest Museum and the Painted Desert Visitor Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the Painted Desert Inn Natural Historic Landmark is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A 20 minute movie is shown every-hour at the painted Desert Center Visitor Center. Exhibits may be viewed at each visitor facility and park personnel are available to answer questions. Ranger programs will be presented daily throughout the spring. Check at the Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum for scheduled programs.

Additional information may be obtained by calling (928) 524-6228 weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time or by writing the Superintendent, Petrified Forest National Park, P.O. Box 2217, Petrified Forest AZ 86028

You are responsible!

You are responsible for helping to protect Petrified Forest National Park. Park regulations are designed to help you preserve its unique beauty and have a safe visit. Please take time to know the park regulations YOU make the difference.

• Obey posted speed limits.
• Don't stop in the middle of the roadway.
• Park only in designated areas.
• Do not travel off the road.

HIKING & WILDERNESS CAMPING

• Take plenty of water and tell park rangers your plans.
• Camping is only allowed in the designated wilderness areas of the park and a backcountry permit is required. This free permit is available at the visitor centers.
• Elevation averages 5,400 feet.
• Do not climb on petrified logs. Their sharp edges can inflict wounds.
• No open fires are allowed.

• Pets must be kept under physical control at all times. They are not allowed in buildings and in the designated wilderness.

• Bicycles are allowed on paved and dirt roads in the park. They are not allowed on hiking trails or off trail. Bicyclists must follow all traffic regulations.

• Weapons must be cased, unloaded and stored in vehicles. The carrying or use of firearms is prohibited.

• Federal law prohibits collection or removal of petrified wood or any other natural, archaeological or historical object from its setting. Violators can be fined (minimum fine is $275.00), imprisoned or both.
• Report vandalism or removal of objects to a ranger.
• Do not disturb wildlife, you are a visitor in THEIR home.

Admission Rates Rangers are available to assist you at the visitor centers, entrance stations, and on patrol! The park entrance fee is $10.00 per car, or $5.00 for bicycles, walk in and motorcycles with one rider, which allows entry to Petrified Forest National Park for a period of seven (7) days.

The annual Park Pass may be purchased at the entrance stations for $25.00. This pass allows the cardholder and anyone in the vehicle, free entrance into Petrified Forest National Park for a period of one year. The Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are available and honored here.

Additional information may be obtained by calling (520) 524-6228 weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time or by writing to the Superintendent, Petrified Forest National Park, P.O. Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 85028. Printed by permission Petrified Forest National Park; Michele Hellickson, Superintendent