THIS BREATHTAKING ARIZONA NATIONAL PARK IS A TOP ROAD TRIP DESTINATION. HERE'S WHY
If you drive just a few hours northeast from Phoenix to the Petrified Forest, it almost feels like you stepped onto a different planet — albeit a colorful one full of subtle scenic and scientific wonders.
The Petrified Forest National Park highlights the prehistoric aspects of the Grand Canyon State. Visitors can see dinosaur fossils and petrified wood while basking in the surreal landscape of the Painted Desert.
World Atlas, a geography website, compiled a list of the best Grand Canyon State road trips and everything to see and do on the way, ranging from surreal natural landscapes to artsy mining towns and iconic national parks. The Petrified Forest was one of the uniquely Arizona road-trip destinations on the list.
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If you're ready to take the trip back in time, here's everything you need to know to plan a road trip to the Petrified Forest.
How long is the drive to Petrified Forest?
Petrified Forest National Park is 200 miles or about 3.5 hours from Phoenix.
The northern entrance is at Exit 311 off I-40. The southern entrance is 19 miles east of Holbrook off U.S. 180.
More: 9 Arizona road trips named the best in 2025. Have you tried them all?
Check out these sites on your way to Petrified Forest
Things to see in Payson
- Check out a Rim Country lake: You can stop at Woods Canyon Lake, C.C. Cragin Reservoir or any of the other beautiful lakes in the area for picnicking, fishing, kayaking and more.
- Stop at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: This natural wonder truly showcases the beauty of Arizona. This natural travertine bridge is thought to be the largest in the world at 183 feet high and 150 feet wide. You can hike into the heart of the bridge, see the wildlife around it or learn about its history.
- Learn more Arizona history: You can visit the Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin. The museum, open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., tells of the Native inhabitants of the area and popular Western figures General Crook and Zane Grey.
Things to see in Holbrook
- See Route 66 impact: The Mother Road takes you right through Holbrook, a small town just outside the Petrified Forest National Park. You can still see the road's tourist impact imprinted on the town's historic buildings, restaurants and gift shops.
- Check out the Wigwam Motel: Did this Arizona motel inspire an iconic business in the Pixar movie "Cars"? While we can't say for sure, the Wigwam's unique lodging does bear a striking resemblance to the Cozy Cone from the movie. Stop by and see what you think while spending the night or checking out the antique cars parked out front.
What should you see and do at the Petrified Forest?
To make the most out of your trip, Arizona Republic contributor and travel expert Roger Naylor said you can't miss these four hotspots and activities:
- See Newspaper Rock: Stop at the overlook above Newspaper Rock. Through the spotting scopes available at the overlook you can see 650 petroglyphs etched into the stone, the National Park Service says. Though there are so many petroglyphs on the rock, it can be hard to understand what they all mean. However, some show clan symbols, migration routes and spiritual imagery.
- Visit Blue Mesa: Take in breathtaking views of "blue, purple, gray, and peach banded badlands" at this memorable rock formation. The spot is accessible on foot or in car, depending on how you want to take in the view.
- Stop at the Painted Desert Inn: The historic Painted Desert Inn was built in 1924 using locally sourced petrified wood and sandstone, materials that echo the surrounding landscape. Today, the Painted Desert Inn is a museum and visitor center, showcasing its rich history and architectural evolution.
- Observe paleontologists in action: You can watch as paleontologists remove rock from fossils and even chat with them via a two-way speaker at the Museum Demonstration Lab at the Painted Desert Visitor Center. The lab is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Arizona Republic reporter Tiffany Acosta contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: This breathtaking Arizona national park is a top road trip destination. Here's why
2025-01-23T13:03:00Z