Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Petrified Forest National Park
Know before you go
Overlook Access
Most overlooks like Blue Mesa have limited stalls that can fill by midday during the spring break season. Arrive before 10 AM to ensure space for larger vehicles.
Desert Dead Zones
Cellular service is notoriously weak once you leave the vicinity of the Painted Desert Visitor Center. Do not rely on streaming maps for navigation between the north and south ends.
Gateway Services
No fuel is available inside the park boundaries. Ensure your tank is full in Holbrook or Winslow before starting the 28-mile park road.
Gate Closure
The park gates close strictly at a posted time each evening, which changes seasonally. Check the official NPS clock at the entrance to avoid being locked behind the gates.
Wind and Dust
Spring months often bring high-velocity winds that can create dust storms across the open mesas. Visibility may drop suddenly; check local weather advisories before driving.
Check current conditions:National Park Service
2RVs, campervans & cars near GUP
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to GUP
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GUP
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at GUP
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at GUP
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GUP
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at GUP
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at GUPA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Petrified Forest National Park
- 01
Ancient Logs and Painted Horizons
Suggested: 8 AM from Holbrook
Giant Logs Trail
Walk the loop behind the Rainbow Forest Museum to see the park's largest concentrated deposits of colorful petrified wood.
Blue Mesa
Navigate the spur road and trail to see vibrant purple-banded badlands and logs perched on eroding pedestals.
Allow 1 hour; conditions vary with desert winds
Stay on designated paths to protect the fragile desert crust and archaeological resources.
Pick up your vehicle at GUP → - 02
Route 66 and Ancestral Sites
Suggested: 9 AM from the South Entrance
Puerco Pueblo
Explore the remains of a 100-room ancestral Puebloan village and view petroglyphs along the short paved loop.
Newspaper Rock
Observe one of the highest concentrations of petroglyphs in the region from a designated overlook.
Allow 45 minutes; rough daily travel allowance
High desert winds are common in the afternoon; eye protection is suggested for the overlooks.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Painted Desert Vistas
Suggested: 8:30 AM from the North Entrance
Painted Desert Inn
Visit this National Historic Landmark to see the murals and learn about its history as a Route 66 oasis.
Tawa Point
Access the Rim Trail here for expansive views of the multicolored badlands stretching toward the horizon.
Allow 30 minutes; walking required for best views
The North Entrance is closest to I-40 and offers a different perspective of the Chinle Formation colors.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
Day-Use Access and Wilderness Backcountry Permitting
Petrified Forest is a day-use park and does not currently require timed-entry reservations for the main scenic drive. However, those wishing to stay overnight in the backcountry must obtain a free wilderness permit in person on the day of their hike. Check the official NPS site for changing gate hours as the park closes overnight.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
GUPPetrified Forest National Park
Gallup Municipal Airport · 1 h 21 min drive
Find flights to GUP
Plan your road trip
From Gallup Municipal Airport
1 h 21 min
about 70 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Petrified Forest National Park on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Petrified Forest National Park on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Petrified Forest National Park
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Petrified Forest National Park
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Petrified Forest National Park
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Petrified Forest National Park
Explore guided activities around Petrified Forest National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Petrified Forest National Park
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Cool-weather stops
Thermal Neck Gaiter · 2-pack
For cold or windy stops. Confirm fabric, fit and the two-pack variant at the store.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
