Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

With its ancient landscape and one-of-a-kind landmarks, it's no surprise that Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a popular vacation spot. However, your trip can be greatly affected by the time you choose to visit.

Spring (March to June) and fall (September to December) have the best weather. Temperatures usually hover between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and it rarely rains.

Winter (December to March) is the most affordable time to visit. Lodging in the area is often discounted due to low demand. You won't have to deal with many crowds while you're in and around the park.

Many factors go into choosing the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to plan your dream trip to this unique natural wonder.

Are you on your way to Petrified Forest National Park last-minute?

When visiting Petrified Forest National Park, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Petrified Forest National Park

• GreenTree Inn of Holbrook (under $100 USD a night)
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest (rated highly)

☂️ Top tour and experience in Petrified Forest National Park

• Petrified National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Best Time to Go to Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park Vacation Planning Questions

When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?

Fall (September to December) is the best time of year to visit Petrified Forest National Park. There are usually fewer tourists, so the drive to the park will be faster, and you won't encounter many people on the trails.

The area's temperatures are also mild and comfortable this time of year. Daily highs tend to range from 60 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you plan to camp, keep in mind that overnight lows can dip down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's also an affordable season to visit. In the fall, accommodation costs in nearby hotels will be cheaper because of fewer tourists.

Michael Vi/Shutterstock.com

What are the hotels in Petrified Forest National Park?

Petrified Forest National Park has no official lodging. There are also no campgrounds, so if you wish to spend the night in the park, you'll need to bring a small tent and sleeping bag and expect a rustic experience.

There are, however, a few hotels close to the park's borders. If you want a relaxing night's sleep only a short drive from the park, staying at the Baymont Inn & Suites is a good idea.

Alternatively, book a room at the Super 8 in Holbrook. There's a 24-hour front desk for late check-ins if the park is a road trip destination.

Around the World Photos/Shutterstock.com

What are the hotels near Petrified Forest National Park?

There are numerous hotel options if you visit the Petrified Forest during the colder months or prefer to sleep in a soft bed after a day of hiking. Holbrook is the nearest town, with many hotels, motels, and inns within a 20-minute drive to the park.

Reserve a room at La Quinta Inn & Suites if you want access to free Wi-Fi, a pool, and a fitness center at an affordable price. Alternatively, you can stay at the GreenTree Inn. It's a pet-friendly hotel with modern rooms at a budget-friendly price.

What are the best hikes in Petrified Forest National Park?

Petrified Forest is one of the West Coast's best national parks for outdoor lovers and has 16 trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. You can get a trail map at the park's visitors center. However, here are a few of the most popular trails.

The Blue Mesa Trail is one of the most accessible and popular routes. It's a five-mile hike roundtrip and takes you to the top of the mesa, where you can get a scenic view of the Arizona badlands.

The Historic Blue Forest Trail is shorter, with less than three miles of hiking from start to finish. However, the terrain is uneven, taking visitors through the park's ancient hills. As a result, it's considered moderately difficult.

You can also explore the park's off-trail areas if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path spots. Request a guide from the visitors center when you arrive to see less frequented parts of the park.

What are the directions to Petrified Forest National Park?

Whether you're flying to Arizona or planning a road trip, you'll need access to a car to get to Petrified Forest National Park. Unfortunately, there's no public transportation to the park or in-park shuttles.

Interstate 40 connects the park to the surrounding area and is the road you'll most likely travel on. Once on the road, you'll see signs directing you toward the park's northern or southern entrance gates.

A comfortable trip option if you don't want to drive is joining a private Petrified Forest National Park tour from Sedona. These tours often include an experienced guide with a wealth of information about the park.

Where are the campgrounds near Petrified Forest National Park?

Petrified Forest National Park has no on-site campgrounds. However, visitors can dry camp without electricity or water and with a small tent and sleeping bag. Just request a free backcountry wilderness permit at the park's visitors center.

There are numerous campgrounds nearby, though. Camping in luxury at the Starlight Tent in Holbrook is a must if you're looking for seclusion and comfort under the stars.

On the other hand, Holbrook has multiple campgrounds if you'd prefer to stay in your RV or have a more typical camping experience. You'll be able to find both privately owned camping areas and trusted chains like KOA.

adolf martinez soler/Shutterstock.com

What are the RV parks near Petrified Forest National Park?

Spring (March to June) is the best time to travel to Petrified Forest National Park by RV. With daytime temperatures from 64 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures from 31 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you can stay comfortable while camping.

Since the park has no on-site RV parks, you'll need to stay in nearby Holbrook. The Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA Journey is a popular spot with spacious lots for campers. Gateway to the Petrified Forest is another nearby option that's more rustic and quiet.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park in January

Though Petrified Forest National Park is in the Arizona desert, it gets surprisingly cold during the winter (December to March). On average, it doesn't get warmer than 49 degrees Fahrenheit, and nightly temperatures fall well below freezing.

The chilly weather means the park is usually pretty calm. As not many visitors plan their trips for this time of year, you can find accommodation at an affordable price.

The park is open every day, but be prepared to wait a few hours if you try to get in when it opens. When overnight temperatures cause ice to form, the park delays opening to the public until conditions are safe.

Petrified Forest National Park in February

A visit to Petrified Forest National Park has become one of the most unique date ideas around Phoenix for nature-loving couples. If that sounds like your idea of romance, consider visiting in February around Valentine's Day.

The temperatures hover between 26 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll want to dress in warm layers. You'll feel like you have the park to yourself since the cooler temperatures dissuade many from coming.

However, some people might book a getaway weekend to Holbrook, the nearest town, without visiting the park. Therefore, reserve your room early to get a good deal.

Petrified Forest National Park in March

In March, schools go on spring (March to May) break nationwide. With extra time off, more visitors come to Arizona's state parks, including Petrified Forest National Park.

Daily temperatures usually top out around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also expect rain about once a week.

March is a pretty affordable time to travel, especially in the first two weeks of the month. However, flights and hotels can fill up quickly, so make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure you have various options available.

Petrified Forest National Park in April

If you're trying to determine when to visit Petrified Forest National Park, consider going in April. Spring (March to June) is in full swing in the park with warm days, around 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and virtually no rain.

With the nice weather comes higher crowd levels. As a result, traffic around the park can start picking up, and finding last-minute bookings for hotels and flights can be difficult.

If you want to see the colors of the badlands while visiting Arizona's natural wonders but don't want to deal with the traffic, take an airplane tour. While these tours often focus on the Grand Canyon and don't fly directly over Petrified Forest, you'll be able to see some of the park's territory from the sky.

Petrified Forest National Park in May

May is one of the best months to visit Arizona, in general, and especially the Petrified Forest. The climate is comfortable at 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and it rains at most twice during the month.

The end of May usually marks the end of the school year, so more families and students can travel. You'll notice crowds pick up on weekends and in the last week of the month.

Don't feel like you have to stay in Holbrook, the closest town to the park. If you're up for a drive and are interested in seeing the state's scenery, visiting the Petrified Forest is an excellent day trip from Page, AZ.

Petrified Forest National Park in June

June marks the beginning of the Petrifired Forest's summer (June to September) season. Most of the Arizona landmark's over 500,000 annual visitors arrive between June and late August, so expect crowds and traffic. If you want to avoid a long line to enter the park, arrive near opening time.

Summer in Petrified Forest National Park can have hit-or-miss weather conditions. June tends to be warm and dry, though. The daily highs can reach as warm as 91 degrees Fahrenheit, and rain is unlikely. Make sure you bring sun protection and water so you can explore safely.

Travel costs will start to increase steadily during the month. However, if you make your bookings up to three months early, you can find good deals.

Petrified Forest National Park in July

July marks the beginning of Petrified Forest National Park's monsoon season. Mornings are usually clear and dry, but sudden thunderstorms can form in the afternoon, leading to heavy rainfall. If you're hiking during a storm, head back toward the entrance and watch your step to avoid slipping on any mud that develops.

Despite the unpredictable weather, July is one of the most popular months for tourists in the park. The week around Independence Day is a busy time for locals and out-of-towners. Hotels book up months in advance of the holiday, so make your reservations early to find affordable rooms.

Petrified Forest National Park in August

Petrified Forest National Park's monsoon season doesn't finish until the end of August. Until then, the month's weather is characterized by warm, 90-degree Fahrenheit days and daily bursts of rain.

Though the rain doesn't usually last too long, it often comes with lightning and thunder, so it might be better to avoid hiking the park's elevated trails. Sandstorms are also possible, so stay vigilant if one seems to be forming or approaching.

As schools start for the year, the park becomes less busy. Therefore, visiting the area during the week in the last half of the month should allow you to have a peaceful and affordable trip.

Petrified Forest National Park in September

If you ask locals, they'll tell you September is the best month to visit Petrified Forest National Park. The weather is warm without being too hot, with temperatures around 84 degrees Fahrenheit on average.

After Labor Day, the number of daily visitors to the area drops. Trails tend to be clear, and you won't have to wait long to be allowed through one of the park's two entrances.

The decreased number of tourists means a lower demand for accommodations, flights, and tours. As a result, you'll be able to make your trip plans on shorter notice while still sticking to a budget.

Petrified Forest National Park in October

October is a transition month for Petrified Forest National Park. You'll notice a shift in the weather from summer (June to September) to winter (December to March). Temperatures are warm and hover around 73 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, but they drop to 42 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Since below-freezing conditions are rare, you probably won't encounter any trail closures or opening delays in October. So you can head out on a hike early before the sun is too high.

The park isn't usually very busy in October, and most visitors at this time of year are local and won't be staying in hotels. So RV parks, campgrounds, and hotels are more likely to offer discounted rates to entice out-of-town travelers.

Petrified Forest National Park in November

November can be an ideal time to visit Petrified Forest National Park. With only two days of rain on average, you can expect dry weather and 60-degree Fahrenheit days that are great for hiking.

November is a calm tourist season. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, so few people come to the area throughout the month. However, if you stay in Holbrook, expect shops and restaurants to be closed around the holiday as locals take advantage of the lull to go out of town.

Flights in November can be pricey, so if you're flying to the area, reserve your seat early to get a good deal. Lodging will be affordable, though.

Petrified Forest National Park in December

December is another quiet month to visit the Petrified Forest National Park. The daytime highs of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and nights that drop below freezing keep out-of-towners from choosing the area for their winter (December to March) trips.

Don't plan on spending Christmas hiking, though, since the park is closed that day. During the rest of the month, you might encounter some opening delays if overnight temperatures cause ice to form on the roads and trails.

Travel costs are typically at their highest at the end of December, so you might want to be flexible with your budget if you're flying to the area. However, hotels near the park are usually affordable if you book early.

In Summary

Petrified Forest National Park is an Arizona landmark that deserves to top people's travel bucket lists. While the park is beautiful all year, a few variables could affect your travel plans.

Many visitors prefer the mild fall (September to December) and spring (March to June) weather. However, people looking for peace and quiet or traveling on a budget often opt for a winter (December to March) trip.

Whether Petrified Forest is a day trip stop or your final getaway destination, it's a place you won't want to miss. Hopefully, this list has helped you figure out your travel preferences so you can book your dream getaway!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

Give us feedback about this article

More visual stories related to this article:

• Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park Visual Story
• Best Time to Go to Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona