Petrified Forest

Alerts and closures

• Park Closure

  Painted Desert Visitor Center Closed for Construction

  A major construction project is underway at Petrified Forest National Park. The Painted Desert Visitor Center is currently being renovated and is expected to reopen in June 2027. Visitor center operations have been relocated to the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station. The restrooms, restaurant, giftshop, and gas station are still operating during construction.

• Information

  The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!

  The Painted Desert Oasis gift shop, gas station and restaurant located at the north entrance of the park are open, and restrooms are available during construction. Visitor center operations are currently located at the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station.

• Information

  Park Headquarters Phones are Down

  Phones at park headquarters are currently down. Please call the visitor center at Painted Desert Inn 928-235-2467 or the Visitor Services office 928-235-2391 between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also send us an email at pefo_information@nps.gov.

About

A landscape where deep time lies fully on display, Petrified Forest National Park blends colorful badlands, vast grasslands, and one of the world’s largest and most vivid collections of petrified wood. Spanning more than 200 million years of geologic history, the park protects ancient fossils, ancestral Puebloan sites, habitat for desert animals, and a sweeping stretch of historic Route 66.

Things to do: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Road Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use), Compass and GPS

Entry and fees

• Entrance - Private Vehicle

  Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days.

  $25

• Entrance - Per Person

  Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Valid for 7 days.

  $15

• Entrance - Motorcycle

  Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

  $20

• Commercial Entrance - Sedan

  $25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

  $25

• Commercial Entrance - Per Person

  $25 flat fee + $10 per person (Sedans, SUVs, Minivans) If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

  $10

• Commercial Entrance - Van

  Capacity of 7 to 15 passengers - $50 (Vans). If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

  $50

• Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

  Capacity of 16-25 passengers - $60 If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

  $60

• Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

  Capacity of 26+ passengers - $150 (Large tour buses, motorcoaches). If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. Fees for commercial vehicles are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

  $150

• Entrance - Non-commercial Groups

  Capacity of 16 or more $15/person. Anyone that is 15 or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee, in addition to anyone with a valid pass. A pass may cover immediate family members or up to 4 people traveling with the group. A non-commercial organized group is a group traveling together, such as scouts, a club, a church, or other group that has organized its own itinerary. Fees are based on the capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers on board, and are valid for 7 days.

  $15

Fees change. Confirm on nps.gov before you go.