Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into GUP, drive to Petrified Forest National Park
1 h 21 min drive70 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- GUP
Airport drive- 1 h 21 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- The main park road is paved and suitable for standard cars and RVs, but check for specific parking length limits at the smaller Blue Mesa lot.
Your route
GUP
Gallup Municipal Airport
Petrified Forest National Park
About 1 h 21 min · 70 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to GUP
Compare fares into Gallup Municipal Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at GUP
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Petrified Forest National Park. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at GUP
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Petrified Forest National Park
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Step 3Hotels near Petrified Forest National Park
Est. from $110/night · typical rate. Compare hotels and lodges; check cancellation terms on Expedia.
Search Expedia
Step 3Cabins & homes near Petrified Forest National Park
Est. from $120/night · typical rate. Whole homes and cabins for families or groups.
Search VrboBefore you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, September – October
Your route
Day 1 · Ancient Logs and Painted Horizons
Giant Logs Trail → Blue Mesa
Day 2 · Route 66 and Ancestral Sites
Puerco Pueblo → Newspaper Rock
Day 3 · Painted Desert Vistas
Painted Desert Inn → Tawa Point
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 separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Petrified Forest National Park
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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Petrified Forest National Park?
Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from GUP to Petrified Forest National Park?
Roughly 1 h 21 min (about 70 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
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.