Petrified Forest National Park Scenic Drive Self Guided Tour

Explore the unique landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park, where ancient trees turned to stone reveal stories from 200 million years ago. This GPS-guided driving tour allows you to navigate 28 miles of scenic routes at your own pace, discovering the history of petrified wood, ancient pueblos, and the vibrant Painted Desert. Engage with the geological wonders and archaeological treasures while enjoying a flexible, self-guided adventure through one of the most intriguing national parks in the Southwest. - Self-guided driving tour with GPS guidance for easy navigation - Immerse yourself in stunning sites like the Painted Desert and historic Route 66 - Duration of 1-3 hours based on your chosen stops and pace - Offline access available after downloading, perfect for remote areas

1. 1

   Tiponi Point

   10 min

   Take in your first sweeping views of the Painted Desert. Layers of red, purple, blue, and gray reveal over 200 million years of volcanic eruptions, rivers, and prehistoric ecosystems preserved in stone.

2. 2

   Painted Desert Visitor Center

   10 min

   Begin your adventure at the gateway to Petrified Forest National Park. Pick up maps, explore exhibits, and prepare to travel through a landscape where ancient forests became stone and colorful badlands stretch to the horizon.

3. 3

   Crystal Forest Trail

   10 min

   Walk among some of the most beautiful petrified logs on Earth. Discover sparkling quartz, colorful agate, and purple amethyst hidden within ancient fossilized trees.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   10 min

   Named for the Hopi sun spirit, this scenic overlook offers stunning views of the Painted Desert's colorful ridges and mesas, especially beautiful during sunrise and early morning light.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   Step inside one of Route 66's most historic buildings. Explore restored Hopi murals, Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship, and panoramic desert views from this beautifully preserved landmark.

6. 6

   Pintado Point

   10 min

   One of the highest viewpoints in the park, offering breathtaking 360-degree views across colorful badlands shaped by volcanic ash, floods, and millions of years of erosion.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10 min

   "Nizhoni" means beautiful in Navajo, and this overlook lives up to its name with endless vistas of layered mesas and painted hills stretching across the Arizona desert.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   10 min

   Enjoy one final Painted Desert panorama before descending toward the heart of the fossil forest. The landscape here continues to evolve through ongoing erosion.

9. 9

   Lacey Point

   10 min

   Named for Congressman John Lacey, whose efforts helped protect Petrified Forest, this overlook showcases the colorful desert and the importance of conservation.

10. 10

    Puerco Pueblo

    10 min

    Walk through the remains of a 100-room village where over 200 people lived more than 700 years ago. Learn about ancient farming, trade routes, and life in the high desert.

11. 11

    Newspaper Rock

    10 min

    View more than 650 petroglyphs carved into stone by Indigenous peoples over centuries. These fascinating symbols offer a glimpse into ancient stories, beliefs, and daily life.

12. 12

    The Tepees

    10 min

    Marvel at cone-shaped hills wrapped in colorful bands of blue, gray, purple, and red. These striking formations reveal millions of years of geological history.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    10 min

    Explore a rugged landscape filled with colorful badlands and petrified logs rich in blue agate and purple quartz. A favorite destination for adventurous hikers.

14. 14

    Blue Mesa

    10 min

    One of the park's most spectacular sights. Descend into a surreal world of blue-gray badlands, striped hills, and fossilized logs that seem straight out of another planet.

15. 15

    Agate Bridge

    10 min

    See a massive 110-foot petrified log suspended across a wash like a natural bridge. This remarkable geological feature is one of the park's most photographed attractions.

16. 16

    Jasper Forest

    10 min

    Gaze across one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the park, where colorful fossilized logs blanket the landscape.

17. 17

    Stop 17

    20 min

    End your journey surrounded by giant petrified logs, fascinating fossils, and exhibits that bring the prehistoric world of Petrified Forest National Park to life.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.