Saguaro National Park to Petrified Forest National Park

Updated: March 13, 2024 10:25 AM

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Saguaro + Petrified Forest National Parks

Language

The official language of the United States, including Arizona, is English.

Currency

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar ($).

Distance

The distance between Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park is approximately 300 miles (480 km).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Petrified Forest National Park from Saguaro National Park:

• By car: The most convenient way to travel between the two parks is by car. The drive takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
• By bus: There is no direct bus service between the two parks. However, you can take a bus from Tucson to Flagstaff and then transfer to another bus to Petrified Forest National Park.
• By train: There is no train service between the two parks.
• By plane: The nearest airport to Petrified Forest National Park is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). You can fly to FLG from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and then rent a car to drive to the park.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park will vary depending on your travel style and budget. Here are some estimated costs:

• Entrance fees: $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass to Saguaro National Park and $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass to Petrified Forest National Park.
• Camping: $20 per night for a campsite at Saguaro National Park and $25 per night for a campsite at Petrified Forest National Park.
• Food: There are several restaurants and cafes located near both parks. You can also bring your own food and cook at the campgrounds.
• Gas: The cost of gas will vary depending on the price of gas at the time of your visit.
• Other expenses: You may also want to budget for souvenirs, activities, and other incidentals.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park is during the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be very hot, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and cafes located near both parks. You can also bring your own food and cook at the campgrounds. Here are some of the local favorites:

• Saguaro National Park: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson is a great place to try Sonoran Desert cuisine. They have a variety of dishes to choose from, including mesquite-grilled chicken, prickly pear cactus fries, and saguaro fruit sorbet.
• Petrified Forest National Park: The Painted Desert Inn in Petrified Forest National Park is a historic hotel that serves traditional Southwestern cuisine. They have a variety of dishes to choose from, including Navajo tacos, fry bread, and prickly pear margaritas.

Where to Go

There are many things to see and do in Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. Here are some of the highlights:

• Saguaro National Park:
  • Hike the Cactus Forest Loop Trail to see the giant saguaro cacti.
  • Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to learn about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Cactus Forest Drive.
• Petrified Forest National Park:
  • Hike the Giant Logs Trail to see the petrified logs.
  • Visit the Painted Desert Inn to learn about the history of the park.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Petrified Forest Road.

FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park:

• Are there any bears in the parks?

  Yes, there are black bears in both parks. Be sure to store your food properly and keep your distance from any bears you see.

• Can I swim in the rivers in the parks?

  No, swimming is not allowed in the rivers in either park.

• Are there any fees to enter the parks?

  Yes, there is an entrance fee for both parks. The fee is $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.

• Can I bring my dog to the parks?

  Yes, dogs are allowed in both parks, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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