Size: 221,390 Acres
Year Established: 1962
Annual Visitors: 590,000
Firearms Information in Petrified Forest National Park
As of February 22, 2010, a federal law made it legal for people who can legally own guns under federal, state, and local laws to do so in this park.
Before entering this park, it is the responsibility of visitors to know and follow all state, local, and federal gun laws. Guns can’t be fired in this national park, and they are not allowed to be used in an effort to protect wildlife.
Federal law also says that guns can’t be brought into visitor centers, government offices, and other places in this park. Signs at all public entrances point out these places.
Hunting in Petrified Forest National Park
No hunting is allowed in Petrified Forest National Park.
Additional Information About Petrified Forest National Park
In the Late Triassic, about 200 million years ago, dinosaurs first showed up. The animals lived in a tropical forest with conifers, tree ferns, and ginkgoes. As the trees died and fell to the ground, some of their trunks floated down the large river system and clogged it up.
The silica was absorbed by the wood over a long period of time. A crystallization of the silica transformed the wood into a stone that reflected the manganese, iron, and silicon from which it was originally composed (chromium, cobalt, and copper).
Thieves don’t bother stealing samples from this park because it’s the only national park that closes at night. The Painted Forest is a region of the park characterized by colorful hills and bumps. A yearly average of less than 10 inches of precipitation can be expected in the park. Cacti, mariposa flowers, and animals like the rock wren may all survive on this meager amount.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park
The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is between the months of April to September.
Visitor Fees
$15.00 per person/cyclist for up to 7 days
$25.00 per vehicle for up to 7 days
$20.00 per motorcycle for up to 7 days
$45.00 per Petrified Forest Annual Park Pass
Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?
Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.
This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.
Visitor Centers
Painted Desert Visitor Center
Address
1 Park Rd,
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028
Phone Number
(928) 524-6228
Hours of Operation
Daily 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.
Rainbow Forest Museum
Address
6618 Petrified Forest Rd,
Holbrook, AZ 86025
Hours of Operation
Daily 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.