Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona / MOUNTAIN ZONE NATIONAL PARKS DIRECTORY

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Petrified Forest National Park - Arizona

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Trees that have petrified, or changed to multicolored stone, Indian ruins and petroglyphs, and portions of the colorful Painted Desert are features of the park. Proclaimed as a national monument Dec. 8, 1906: established as a national park Dec. 9, 1962. Boundary changes: July 31, 1911; Nov. 14, 1930; Nov. 30, 1931; Sept. 23, 1932; March 28, 1958. Wilderness designated Oct. 23,1970

Location Information
Operating Hours/Seasons
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Facilities and Opportunities: (including trails, camping, concessions)
Visitation

Location Information
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

Address:
P.O. Box 2217
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028

Telephone:
(520) 524-6228

Directions:
The Painted Desert entrance is on I-40, 25 miles (40.3 km) east of Holbrook, AZ. The Rainbow Forest entrance is on US 180, 19 miles (30.6 km) southeast of Holbrook.

Acreage:
93,532.57, all federal. Wilderness area: 50,260

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Operating Hours/Seasons

The Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 (extended hours are possible in the summer).

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Reservations/Permits/Fees

The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle or $3 per person. Commerical bus rates range from $30 to $100 depending on capacity.

A free wilderness backpacking permit is available.

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Facilities and Opportunities

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Orientation film at the Visitor Center and exhibits at the museum.

Programs/Activities:
The Park offers self-guiding auto tours, photography, walking trails and wilderness hiking, summer interpretive talks, picknicking and sightseeing.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:
Wilderness backcountry camping is allowed with a free permit only. Lodging is available in Holbrook or Winslow, AZ, and in Gallup, NM.

Food/supplies:
Painted Desert Oasis offers meals, and Rainbow Forest Curios offers snacks and sandwiches. The gas station at the Oasis carries basic food supplies. Additional food and supplies are available in Holbrook.

Accessibility:
All major facilities, including concessions, are accessible. A detailed guide is available describing floor conditions, steps, curbs, etc.

Special Needs:
There are EMTs in the Park and an ambulance service in Holbrook. The nearest hospitals are in Winslow, AZ, or in Gallup, NM.

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Visitation

Federal Law prohibits removal of any petrified wood or other natural, cultural object. Heavy fines are levied against violators.

Park elevations range from 5,100 (1,554 m) to 6,235 feet (1,900 m). Beware of overexertion in the high altitude. Carry sufficient water and notify Park personnel of any extended hikes.

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