Petrified Forest National Park from Winslow

What to expect

Petrified Forest National Park covers painted badlands and fields of fossilized wood east of Winslow. It is also the only national park with a preserved alignment of historic Route 66 running through it.

The park road connects overlooks, short trails, and two visitor areas, and most travelers drive it in a half day. The colors shift dramatically with the light, so late afternoon is worth planning around.

Winslow makes a practical base: you can be at the park entrance in under an hour and still sleep at a normal price off I-40.

Practical tips

• Plan a half day minimum if you want to drive the park road and walk a trail or two.
• Collecting petrified wood inside the park is prohibited.
• Check current hours, fees, and road status with the National Park Service before you go.