Petrified Forest National Park - Activities

Petrified Tree by US-Parks

Petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock. Photo by Marge Post, NPS Park activities include the park film, museums, sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking and wilderness backpacking. A variety of ranger programs are given year round with an increased number during the summer. A program schedule is displayed at visitor contact areas. Note: The removal of petrified wood or other features of the park is prohibited by law.

Gift shops sell petrified wood that comes from private land, outside the park. No petrified wood is removed legally from the park. Driving non-stop, through the park, takes 45 minutes. The average length of stay is 2 hours but remaining all day is also common. The park is locked at night and visitors must be in their cars and driving towards an exit at closing time. With advanced notice the park has several programs for school groups.