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Petroglyph National Monument to Petrified Forest National Park

Updated: March 14, 2024 07:52 AM
Petrified Forest National Park

Petroglyph National Monument to Petrified Forest National Park

Language

The official language of both Petroglyph National Monument and Petrified Forest National Park is English.

Currency

The official currency of both Petroglyph National Monument and Petrified Forest National Park is the United States dollar.

Distance

The distance between Petroglyph National Monument and Petrified Forest National Park is approximately 275 miles.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Petrified Forest National Park from Petroglyph National Monument.

  • By car: The most direct route is to take I-40 east from Albuquerque to Gallup, then take US-66 east to Petrified Forest National Park. The drive takes about 5 hours.
  • By bus: Greyhound offers a bus route from Albuquerque to Gallup, which takes about 3 hours. From Gallup, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Petrified Forest National Park, which takes about 1 hour.
  • By train: Amtrak offers a train route from Albuquerque to Flagstaff, which takes about 7 hours. From Flagstaff, you can take a bus or taxi to Petrified Forest National Park, which takes about 2 hours.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Petrified Forest National Park varies depending on how you travel and what activities you participate in.

  • Entrance fees: There is a $20 entrance fee per vehicle, or $10 per person for those entering on foot or by bicycle.
  • Camping: There are three campgrounds in Petrified Forest National Park, with fees ranging from $15 to $25 per night.
  • Guided tours: Guided tours of the park are available for a fee.
  • Food and drinks: There are several restaurants and snack bars in the park, with prices ranging from moderate to expensive.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and snack bars in Petrified Forest National Park, with a variety of cuisines available.

  • The Painted Desert Inn: This restaurant offers a variety of American dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
  • The Crystal Forest Cafe: This cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
  • The Painted Desert Trading Post: This trading post offers a variety of snacks, including chips, candy, and drinks.

Where to Go

There are several places to visit in Petrified Forest National Park.

  • The Painted Desert: This is a colorful desert landscape that is home to a variety of plants and animals.
  • The Petrified Forest: This is a forest of petrified trees that are millions of years old.
  • The Blue Mesa: This is a mesa that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

FAQ

What is the best way to get around Petrified Forest National Park?

The best way to get around Petrified Forest National Park is by car. There is a 28-mile loop road that takes visitors to the park's main attractions.

Are there any hiking trails in Petrified Forest National Park?

Yes, there are several hiking trails in Petrified Forest National Park, ranging in length from 0.5 miles to 9 miles.

Can I camp in Petrified Forest National Park?

Yes, there are three campgrounds in Petrified Forest National Park. The campgrounds are open year-round, but reservations are recommended during peak season.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

Trips from Petroglyph National Monument

Trips to Petrified Forest National Park