Best Petrified Forest National Park Tours & Trips
Fossils from the Late Triassic period have been discovered in this 146-square-mile captivating Arizona national park that was named for the petrified wood that can be found throughout it. Petrified Forest National Park was established in 1962 after it was made a national monument in 1906. It has a wide variety of wildlife and seven hiking trails. Points of interest are the Painted Desert Visitor Center, Rainbow Museum, Puerco Pueblo, Jasper Forest, Newspaper Rock and Blue Mesa.
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5.0 Tour Code: 729588
Start / End City
Los Angeles
Duration
11.0 Days
City & Attractions
San Francisco, Phoenix, Albuquerque
+45 more
Languages
Chinese Live, English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Save 5%
From $1,558.15
$1,480.24
5.0 Tour Code: 729342
Start / End City
Los Angeles
Duration
11.0 Days
City & Attractions
San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix
+46 more
Languages
Chinese Live, English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Save 5%
From $1,558.15
$1,480.24
5.0 Tour Code: 727932
Start / End City
Los Angeles, Las Vegas
Duration
9.0 Days
City & Attractions
Phoenix, Albuquerque, Tucson
+34 more
Languages
Chinese Live, English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Save 5%
From $1,228.05
$1,166.65
5.0 Tour Code: 742797
Start / End City
Los Angeles
Duration
9.0 Days
City & Attractions
Phoenix, Albuquerque, Tucson
+34 more
Languages
Chinese Live, English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Save 5%
From $1,228.05
$1,166.65
4.7 (1 reviews) Tour Code: 720765
Start / End City
Los Angeles, Las Vegas
Duration
7.0 Days
City & Attractions
Phoenix, Albuquerque, Tucson
+34 more
Languages
Chinese Live, English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
From
$998.04
5.0 Tour Code: 729318
Start / End City
Phoenix, Los Angeles
Duration
8.0 Days
City & Attractions
Phoenix, Albuquerque, Tucson
+26 more
Languages
Chinese Live, English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
From
$1,108.00
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park
Winter 2026
Winter at Petrified Forest National Park brings crisp, clear days with temperatures averaging 4°C (39°F) to 10°C (50°F), and occasional snow dusts the badlands and petrified logs, creating surreal photo opportunities. Despite the chill, it's an ideal time to explore without summer crowds - hike the Crystal Forest trail, see the Painted Desert vistas, and spot raptors soaring above frozen grounds. The park’s expansive landscape, rich in fossils and ancient petroglyphs, feels especially serene under winter light.
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Spring 2026
In spring, Petrified Forest National Park enjoys mild temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 21°C (70°F), ideal for exploring its surreal landscapes of rainbow-hued fossilized wood and badlands. Wildflowers like penstemon and desert zinnia bloom across the plateau, adding bursts of color to the arid terrain. Visitors can hike the Crystal Forest Trail, see ancient petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock, and discover Late Triassic fossils at the Rainbow Forest Museum. The park’s vast stretches, including Painted Desert viewpoints and the Blue Mesa Trail, offer stunning photo opportunities under clear, sunlit skies.
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Summer
Summer at Petrified Forest National Park brings hot, dry days with temperatures averaging 32°C (90°F), ideal for early morning or late-evening exploration. Despite the heat, this is a prime time to witness the park's vibrant badlands, colorful Painted Desert, and ancient fossilized trees under bright skies. Visitors enjoy hiking trails like Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest, where sunlight enhances the quartz-rich logs' brilliance. Keep an eye out for prairie dogs, lizards, and seasonal wildflowers adding life to the arid landscape.
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Autumn
Autumn at Petrified Forest National Park brings mild days and cool nights, with temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F) - perfect for exploring. Crisp air enhances visibility across the colorful badlands and fossil-rich plains. The Painted Desert glows under soft sunlight, while the Blue Mesa Trail and Crystal Forest showcase dazzling fall hues. Wildlife remains active, and fewer crowds make it ideal for photography, hiking, and discovering ancient petroglyphs along the park’s well-marked trails.
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Reviews for Petrified Forest National Park Tours
P
Arizona and New Mexico in depth
We had a fantastic time with this tour. The drives were long but the guide and the driver are excellent. Our guide Mr. David was very knowledgeable and took lots of good pictures for all four of us. I was so thrill to see the Saguaro cactus at Saguaro NP. We loved White Sand National Monument. Carlsbad cavern was great too. Our favorites are Monument Valley and Horseshoe bend. It is a very well thought out tour. Less people than other popular national parks but very interesting. You will have a chance of less people in your pictures. Highly recommended!!
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FAQs about Petrified Forest National Park Tours
Is there an entrance fee for Petrified Forest National Park, and where can I buy a pass?
Yes, there is an entrance fee: $25 per vehicle (valid 7 days). You can purchase passes at park entrances or online via the National Park Service website. America the Beautiful interagency passes are accepted. Fees help maintain trails, exhibits, and visitor services.
What is the best time of year to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
The best time to visit is spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild, wildflowers bloom, and crowds are smaller. Summer brings extreme heat and monsoon storms; winter days are cold but clear. Avoid peak summer afternoons due to heat risk.
Can I collect petrified wood or other rocks from the park?
No. Collecting petrified wood or any natural or cultural material is strictly prohibited. Removal damages the park’s integrity and carries fines up to $5,000 or six months in prison. Leave all items undisturbed for research and future visitors.
Are there paved hiking trails suitable for families in Petrified Forest National Park?
Yes, the Crystal Forest and Long Logs trails are paved and wheelchair-accessible, offering safe, easy walks (under 1 mile) with interpretive signs and close views of petrified wood. The Blue Mesa Trail is unpaved but offers a moderate loop through badlands and colorful terrain.
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