ARIZONA ◆ Deserts

Petrified Forest, the trip.

225 million-year-old fossil logs scattered across a Painted Desert plateau — and a 28-mile drive that connects them. A short detour off I-40.

Field guide ◆

Stand inside the place.

225 million-year-old fossil logs scattered across a Painted Desert plateau — and a 28-mile drive that connects them. A short detour off I-40. Use the interactive map on our destinations page to plan a route, and check our field guides for season-specific advice on this region.

Best seasonLate spring to early fall
Trip length2–4 days
DifficultyModerate
PermitRequired for overnight

Pack the kit ◆ Trip-tested basics

Build a kit for this trip.

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