Best time to visit · Arizona
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park
Rainbow-colored fossil logs, the Painted Desert and a stretch of old Route 66.
The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is April–May and October. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for April, May and October. It's busiest in July and August.
Month by month
Petrified Forest by season
Winter Fair
Cold, windy and very quiet. A dusting of snow on the Painted Desert is striking.
Spring Prime
Mild, but often windy. Wildflowers can appear in wet years.
Summer Fair
Hot afternoons with monsoon storms that make for dramatic skies.
Fall Good
Calm and pleasant, the best time for the longer hikes into the wilderness area.
What to do
- Walk the Crystal Forest trail
- See Blue Mesa's badlands
- Look out over the Painted Desert
- Find the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock
- Stop at the Route 66 alignment marker
It works as a half-day stop on I-40. Enter at one end and exit the other on the 28-mile park road.
Good to know
Petrified Forest is the only national park that contains a section of historic Route 66.
Before you go: Taking any petrified wood from the park is illegal. Buy it from shops outside the park, which sell wood collected on private land. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Phoenix (PHX) or Albuquerque (ABQ), about 3.5 hours.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Petrified Forest month-by-month ratings
| Month | Rating | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | Quiet | |
| February | Fair | Quiet | |
| March | Good | Moderate | |
| April | Prime | Moderate | Prime season starts · Best value |
| May | Prime | Moderate | Last prime month · Best value |
| June | Fair | Moderate | |
| July | Fair | Busy | |
| August | Fair | Busy | |
| September | Good | Moderate | |
| October | Prime | Moderate | Prime season starts · Last prime month · Best value |
| November | Good | Quiet | |
| December | Fair | Quiet |
Questions about visiting Petrified Forest
When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is April–May and October. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for April, May and October. It's busiest in July and August.
What is the worst time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
June through August and December through February are the weakest time, when conditions are at their worst.
When is Petrified Forest National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in July and August. April, May and October offer the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Petrified Forest National Park worth visiting in winter?
Cold, windy and very quiet. A dusting of snow on the Painted Desert is striking.
Do you need a reservation for Petrified Forest National Park?
Taking any petrified wood from the park is illegal. Buy it from shops outside the park, which sell wood collected on private land. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Petrified Forest National Park?
The most convenient airport is Phoenix (PHX) or Albuquerque (ABQ), about 3.5 hours.
How many days do you need at Petrified Forest National Park?
Plan at least one full day, more if you want to hike or explore the backcountry.
More in Southwest · National parks in Arizona · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.