Petrified Forest National Park, US - A First-Timer's Family-Friendly Guide

Have you ever heard of Petrified Forest National Park? I have to admit, we hadn't either until we started planning our winter road trip. It doesn't have the name recognition of Yosemite or Yellowstone, but it turned out to be one of the more surprising parks we have visited. If you are looking for something different from the usual national park experience, this is it.

The park is basically a 200-million-year-old landscape with Triassic fossils and the mesmerizing Painted Desert. Sophie was fascinated by the petrified wood — she kept asking "how can wood turn into stone?" :D

"Petrified Forest is best known for its Triassic fossils. It's like having two parks in one, an ecosystem over 200 million years old with plants and animals now represented in the surreal landscape of the Painted Desert. There is also a living park with its own denizens adapted to a demanding environment." - NPS website.

1. Painted desert is amazing

The name 'Painted Desert' perfectly captures what this place looks like. The hues of red, orange, and pink — especially near sunset — were just incredible. If you enjoy photography, you will love this. And for kids, it is a great way to show them how nature can create "art" without any human involvement.

2. Blue Mesa trail is a must

The Blue Mesa Trail, a must-visit for families, offers an easy yet fascinating hike. It's about a one-mile loop that's relatively flat, perfect for little legs. Along the trail, we were surrounded by badland hills of bluish bentonite clay and scattered pieces of petrified wood. It was like walking through a natural museum, where every step reveals a different part of Earth's ancient history.

3. What is Petrified wood?

If you are like us, you may ask what Petrified wood is and how it became like that.

Petrified wood, which is a highlight of Petrified Forest National Park in the U.S., is a fascinating natural phenomenon. It forms when plant material, usually wood, is buried under sediment and protected from decay due to oxygen and organisms. Over time, the wood's organic materials gradually get replaced by minerals, most often silica (silicon dioxide) derived from volcanic ash or groundwater. This process, called permineralization, can take millions of years. During permineralization, the original structure of the wood, including its rings and grain, is meticulously preserved. The minerals crystallize within the cellular structure, turning the wood into a stone-like material while retaining much of its original appearance. As a result, petrified wood can vary in color due to the variety of minerals that may be present. Iron, carbon, and manganese contribute to a range of hues from black and brown to red, yellow, and green.

4. You can meet wild animals if you are lucky

Contrary to what you might expect, the park is home to a variety of wildlife. During our visit, we were lucky enough to spot a rare animal sighting in the afternoon. It's moments like these that make a trip to Petrified Forest truly unforgettable.

5. Indigenous people have lived in and around the area for thousands of years

The park's petroglyphs and archaeological sites offer a glimpse into their history and relationship with the land.

6. One day is enough to complete your visit to the park

The park is relatively smaller than others so one day should be enough to complete the main stops and hikes.

7. Holbrook Arizona is the closest town

We stayed overnight in Holbrook Arizona. It is a small town, about a 20-min drive to the park visitor center so it is convenient. You can find 3-star hotels, motels, and restaurants there.

8. Driving on freeway I-40 is not fun because of trucks

It is a freeway with two lanes and many trucks along the way. The max speed limit is 75 miles per hour. We have been to about 15 national parks so we have done a decent amount of road trips, I can say that the truck drivers on I-40 are quite aggressive in their driving so it is not fun to drive there.

In conclusion, Petrified Forest is a hidden gem. I think it is one of the more underrated national parks we have been to. If you are doing a road trip through Arizona, I'd say it is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Have you been to Petrified Forest, or is it on your list? Let me know — I am always curious to hear about other families' national park experiences.

9. Other national parks that we have been to

Read our complete guide: The Expat Family's Guide to US National Parks (2026) — covering all 26 parks we've visited, road trip routes, costs, and tips for international visitors.

Yellowstone National Park

Pacific NorthWest National Parks: Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Crater Lake and Lassen.

Joshua Tree National Park

Yosemite National Park

Zion National Park

Pinnacles National Park

Cheers,
Chandler