If you are going to do one hike in park do this one. Especially if you have never had chance to visit badlands national park. Mini version of badlands. Also cool to see if you can’t make the hike worth driving down this loop road just to get out and see at overlook.

Blue Mesa is well worth the short drive/detour off the main road through Painted Desert, and the short hike around the well paved trail an absolutely fabulous way to spend 30-45 minutes. The colours of the mesas are subtle but beautiful, and the area strewn with lovely petrified wood. Overall, one of the highlights of the Painted Desert.

It's a short but occasionally strenuous trek through the gouged-out beauty of the Blue Mesa. Which actually isn't all that blue. The dominant hues are white, gray, red and brown, with a little blue mixed in here and there. The sides of the mesa seem to be melting away, creating canyons and enormous piles of stoney soil. The tableau you see looks like a snapshot of scoops of ice cream melting.

Amazing nature. Ever see this before 😍😍

Nice easy walk down below. I expected it to be more blue, but it wasn't even its in the name.. You get to see some petrified wood around the area too upclose.

Blue Mesa has become my favourite place we've visitied in a road trip in the US, amazing and magical place. Breathtaking colors, couldn't get enough of it!

Amazing blue mesa.

Crystal Forest: More than just a gift shop! At the gate to Petrified Forrest National Park lays 2 nearly identical gift shops at either side of the road. Owned by locals, it was a unique experience. We stayed here in August on a family cross country RV trip. I was in a 25ft RV, and this was the third major stop on my 17 day adventure. I booked a site here through Harvest Hosts (check it out, well worth the subscription fee). Unique to this host was 30 amp electric hookups, and with my generator working when it wanted to, this was a must for my stay. There is a charge for the power which they request paid in cash (or credit) at the gift shop. We did plan on a late check in (as our previous stop was at Carlsbad Caverns- but connected with staff to keep them updated and they were very helpful. The sites were nicely sized, all back ins. They are about 20 miles off from the closest major town. There are no food options nearby ( other than that fore mentioned town). We did a one night stay, and were able to access directly to the park gate when they opened. The shop has a variety of local items including carvings, blankets, hats, worked stone that is unique to the area. There are no water or sewage dumps on site, but, there's no place to stay closer to the park then this location. Staff were friendly, and at night, the skies were so clear you could see the outline of the Milky Way. Worth a stay or a visit if you're in the area. Note: the state highway that leads to this location... In parts is very rough, and if you are traveling in a larger vehicle- be advised to go under the speed limit. The roads are very dark at night with limited nearby assistance. It was rare we even saw another car on the road. Additionally, there are scorpions, tarantulas, and various snakes local to the area. Be aware of warm places and where you are stepping.

Such a breathtaking experience. The beautiful pieces of petrified wood did not disappoint. The desert was stunning and the all around the trail was peaceful. It's amazing how beauty can be found in such desolate terrain.

Nice place for a quick hike, lots of petrified wood and different colors and layers of rocks. Paved loop walkway. Has some height so you get some good views of the surrounding area.

Well worth the hike through the Crystal Forest checking out all the petrified trees on the ground and what is still being uncovered beneath.

The walk around this place is amazing and a must do in the park.

Visited in May 2024 and September 2025. Lots of crystallized and petrified wood in this area of the park. Highly Recommend stopping here to see it

This place was amazing! A girlfriend and I took a holiday to visit an old friend from H.S. @ her new place in Phoenix and say this place on the map at random. Thinking… why not check it out. It turns out the park closes around 7? And we arrived w about an hour & 1/2… man… we could have explored for at least 4-6hrs for sure. If you’re in the area it’s a must see!

First to find this I believe. 😃

Really cool rock(s) with hieroglyphics

It's an overlook, you have to use the binocular stand (forgot what it's called) to look at them, but it's pretty cool and the views overall are wonderful

There are a handful of places where I have been that magically transports you through time, and Newspaper Rock is one of them. It is almost the ones who created the petroglyphs just stepped away. I also learned that a petroglyph is an image carved, incised or scratched into stone. A pictograph is a painting on stone, using natural pigments. Utah has both of these. Definitely worth a visit to see these detailed historical artwork left so many years ago. Please do not add your own artwork, graffiti is a constant threat to this monument!

I went to this place when I was 11 years old. I remember being in awe of what I was looking at...and learning that they're thousands of years old, and their creators are unknown. You wonder what all those petroglyphs meant to who created them..if you're in the Petrified forest area..it's worth the stop.

they have telescopes

Bring your binocular.

Great stopping point in the planted desert / petrified forest. The in has art, history, maps, small Cafe, gift shop, and paths to beautiful vista's. It is very clean, well staffed and beautifully kept. Good as a cool place to stop to get out of the sun for a break. Plenty of parking, and photogenic views all the way around. Don't miss looking up in the gift shop. The ceiling is glass panels of native designs. Stunning.

Very unique inn built of petrified wood with a layer removed near the doors that shows the exposed petrified wood frame. Fascinating piece of history. Really enjoyed this stop and the view

Gorgeous views from overlook areas. Nice gift shop with viewing windows from inside. Ice cream counter for snacks. Ranger talks available. Nice park!

Loved how the inn is put together - from the wood beams to the decorative lamps and ceiling tiles. The views from the overlook are grand as well.

This is a nice historical stop from the 1930s. The national park passport station is inside along with a snack bar down stairs. Clean bathrooms and a few tables around back. There's a short trail outback that goes to a scenic overlook you don't want to miss.

Serve as visitor center right now, it's construction style and rock red color will deeply impress you, especially at sunset.

This was a very nice historical place, the gift shop is Native American made jewelry all done by the sweet elderly woman. I had a great conversation and bought some of the beautiful wares she was selling for a respectable price.

The Agate Bridge is a quick but fascinating stop! You can’t walk across it, but seeing a massive petrified log suspended like a natural bridge is really something unique. There’s not much walking involved—just a short path from the parking area—but it’s well worth the few minutes to take it in and snap a photo. It’s a great addition to your Petrified Forest drive, especially if you’re hitting all the highlights. Simple, striking, and easy to access—definitely worth a quick stop!

Awesome sight right of the main park road.

Painted desert and petrified forest are visually beautiful. Take your time driving thru them. In some parts of the painted desert it look other worldly.

This whole place is amazing! 27 miles of the petrified forest. It's a must see for everyone. And it's very peaceful and the petrified legs are beautiful. Tons of great picture ops.

Such a cool piece of natural history to get to experience in person. Getting to see the ends where the veins of the tree show through the agate is amazing. Unfortunately some people thought it was a good idea to carve their names into some of the sandstone. I find it very disappointing that someone would do that in general and especially in a protected area like this.

Glad someone put supports under it, or it likely wouldn't be there today.

If you haven't seen the Painted Desert, you must! The colors are breathtaking! I was stunned at vista after vista during our trip through the park. These two pictures have only reds, but there are blues, greens, and yellows that make you wonder how so much diversity could have happened in this area. Do see it if you're ever in the area.

This is the coolest place. I came with my parents when I was a kid and have finally made it back. I brought my own kids back and my mom. The park is a driving tour. You start at the visitor entrance with a map. The road passes by all the different areas. You can choose which or all to stop at. I really enjoyed the giant petrified logs. I was able to walk up and touch them. The colors are gorgeous. Some of the spots are great Lookout points over the valley. It takes about an hour to drive through. Maybe longer depending on how long you stay at each spot. When you reach the end you will have to turn and go back to the entrance or you can leave the southern exit. We were traveling to the south anyway and it worked out perfectly. Take lots of water with you and pack a lunch. It was very hot when we visited. Be prepared. There are no stores. Don't take any rocks. There's a sign warning of being searched and there are plenty of rocks outside the park.

Seems like Painted Desert VC needs a remodel. Plenty of building sq ft available. Very small considering all the buildings within the complex. The Rainbow VC at the south end of the park is nicer and more updated facility.

Small, but free. There was another building with a movie that was kind of boring. It was all about made up Science stuff saying how old everything is...blah, blah, blah.

Not as nice as the other national parks. We bought 2 stickers, didn’t meed receipt, went outside and decided we didn’t want the stickers, walked back in and cashier said we needed receipt. Dumb customer service move.

I purchased some beautiful survivors, Great advice, maps, and brochures Rangers were more than helpful, they were courteous, friendly and jovial. I even got a military discount. Sweet. A very good all in one place to stop and shop and refresh before your desert trek.

Plan on several hours if you hike. Drive though took about an hour but we mainly drove though as was getting late. Very impressive and for the price I would recommend.

I liked the petrified forest because it lead to the painted desert and the crystallized forest. Cool drive along the desert as well. The painted desert was an awesome view. We went in January. Kinda was hoping to see crazy bright colors in that spot. So not sure if there would be a better season to visit it in to see it a bit more vibrant?? But either way, the views cool and more views down the way with different colors are ther for you to enjoy as well

Easy parking even with a bigger rig. Highway in is well maintained but uneven and can’t safely be driven at higher speed, so allow for the time in and out of the park. Great sidewalks and railings. Views are unique, and expansive. While there the larger, better visible specimens are just off of the back side of the parking lot and you can walk down to those, get great photos and close enough to touch. Some of the bigger specimens are as you approach on the road in as well, they are easy to spot once you know what to look for. This is a worthwhile stop, off of old Route 66. Allow at least 2-3 hours to drive the majority of the park, as the Jasper Forest is only one of the many points of interest in the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest National Park

Mid-March 2025 - This was one of our favorite stops in the park. The amount of petrified wood in the Jasper Forest is staggering as are all of the "chips" that lay scattered about. While the view from the overlook is grand, we were especially delighted to follow the trail (off the right hand side of the overlook) down into the valley floor. This is a relatively easy walk/hike. Just be sure to have plenty of water, especially if your dog is walking with you. They wander around and take it all in. We were fortunate to do this stop on two different days and at different times of the day, which made different features stand out.

TL;DR: Jasper Forest Vista in Petrified Forest National Park offers otherworldly views, ample parking, and plenty of space to soak it all in. Jasper Forest Vista is an incredible stop in Petrified Forest National Park. The views are absolutely breathtaking, with a surreal landscape that feels like stepping into another world. There’s ample parking and plenty of room to explore or simply stand and take in the scenery. It’s a must-see stop if you’re visiting the park!

A great park to visit and you could catch a clear glimpse of the color and crystal structure. You can have a small hike around the site. If you are lucky, might catch a sight of American pronghorn at the forest too.

A great area for self-exploring. We spent a couple of hours in this amazing area. It was not crowded at all as this section of the park is lesser known.

Such an underrated national park. My jaw dropped when we first turned off of I-40 because you had no idea what kind of views were right there! Definitely well worth the stop and incredible to see overall! Lots of trails to hike and so much to see! You will be amazed at what all is sitting out in the desert, and will be surprised at its history. Such an amazing experience I will not forget!

Great view of petrified trees in the valley below and some logs protruding from the cliff face.

Inside the Petrified Forest - an ancient pueblo ruins and many petroglyphs along the canyon beside the pueblo. Well marked paved trails, and lots of interpretive signage.

A fascinating and underrated stop inside Petrified Forest National Park! Puerco Pueblo offers a glimpse into the past with the remnants of a 1000-year-old ancestral Puebloan village. The short paved loop trail is easy to walk, perfect even for kids or those looking for a quick, meaningful stop. Along the way, there are interpretive signs explaining how the ancient people lived, including their dwellings, daily routines, and belief systems. One highlight is the famous solstice marker petroglyph, which aligns with the sun during the summer solstice — so cool to see! You won’t need more than 20–30 minutes here, but it’s well worth it. I really enjoyed imagining what life was like here centuries ago. Definitely stop by if you’re exploring the park!

This will be on the map you receive when you enter the Petrified Wood National Park. You'll see a Pueblo looking building that has very informational and educational posters to read. There is a little trail to walk. No bathrooms are available here. Handicap ♿️ accessibility.

A cool piece of history with a Kiva, ruins, and petraglyphs. Short walk to each area. There was also an enclosed building with pictures and written information about the area. There were also clean, public restrooms.

This was an interesting place to visit if you are interested in history and local culture. The area was well maintained and good information was provided in each station, explaining what each spot was. It is part of the petrified forest area tour. It is worth stopping and checking it out, but I found it a bit underwhelming.

It is a remarkable sight. It blends the remains of ancient ruins with a beautiful courtyard and captivating petroglyphs. The informational signage found throughout the site provides valuable insights. As you explore, you can't help but appreciate the effortless accessibility to such historical remnants. This must-visit spot in the national park allows you to vividly imagine life during those ancient times. The petroglyphs themselves are awe-inspiring and definitely worth the short trek for an up-close view. While the entire Petrified Forest National Park is stunning, the Pueblo stands out as one of the most captivating attractions. Its combination of ancient ruins and accompanying petroglyphs creates an unforgettable experience.

Amazing to see what an ancient civilization has left us. Great place to stop when visiting Petrified Forest National Park, to admire the remains of the old pueblo and petroglyphs on big rocks.

Sits on the south entrance of the park. Neat little museum with a shirt hiking trail behind it. I recommend starting on the south end and working your way to the north exit that way you can stop and have lunch at the visitor’s center on the north end of the park. Park is gated on both ends and they are only open between 8-5. They take security very seriously here so don’t expect the park to be open 24/7

This was our first stop in Petrified Forest National Park—and it was absolutely stunning! The museum is small but packed with fascinating displays of petrified wood and dinosaur fossils. The best part is the trail right outside, filled with colorful, gem-like petrified logs. It’s almost hard to believe they were once living trees over 200 million years ago. If you’re entering the park from the south entrance, definitely take your time here—it’s a perfect introduction to the wonders of the park!

A lot to learn here. Great pics, maps and displays. Everyone was helpful and the trails around the visitors center were awesome. We took an electric wheel chair on most of them. There were a few areas where I needed to help guide it just do to up and down grades and loose gravel but not bad at all. A couple has stairs but more than enough were useable by the wheel chair.

What an awesome side trip!! We were travelling across country, and this was in our path, so we stopped by. The petrified trees were pretty remarkable. The process of purification was well explained in the museum. As well as descriptions and exhibits on all the mammals and dinosaurs there in the area. We would like to have spent more time there, and will return on another cross country trip. The colors of agates from the trees were so strikingly beautiful.

Great indoor educational opportunity at the National Park. The small gift shop in the building sells different items than what is available at the neighboring store. The walk among the giant petrified trees behind the museum is a must if you’ve not visited before.

Great experience. Great for kids. Easy trails behind the building that wind through huge logs of petrified wood. We used a wheelchair and it was challenging but doable.

Great place to visit! I hope this fascist regime doesn't sell it off for cash to stay out of jail

Long logs trail was a fantastic place to get up close and personal with the petrified logs. Super easy and short trail it is pet and kid friendly. Highly recommend if you only do one trail make it this one.

Inside the Petrified Forest - an ancient pueblo ruins and many petroglyphs along the canyon beside the pueblo. Well marked paved trails, and lots of interpretive signage.

A fascinating and underrated stop inside Petrified Forest National Park! Puerco Pueblo offers a glimpse into the past with the remnants of a 1000-year-old ancestral Puebloan village. The short paved loop trail is easy to walk, perfect even for kids or those looking for a quick, meaningful stop. Along the way, there are interpretive signs explaining how the ancient people lived, including their dwellings, daily routines, and belief systems. One highlight is the famous solstice marker petroglyph, which aligns with the sun during the summer solstice — so cool to see! You won’t need more than 20–30 minutes here, but it’s well worth it. I really enjoyed imagining what life was like here centuries ago. Definitely stop by if you’re exploring the park!

This will be on the map you receive when you enter the Petrified Wood National Park. You'll see a Pueblo looking building that has very informational and educational posters to read. There is a little trail to walk. No bathrooms are available here. Handicap ♿️ accessibility.

A cool piece of history with a Kiva, ruins, and petraglyphs. Short walk to each area. There was also an enclosed building with pictures and written information about the area. There were also clean, public restrooms.

This was an interesting place to visit if you are interested in history and local culture. The area was well maintained and good information was provided in each station, explaining what each spot was. It is part of the petrified forest area tour. It is worth stopping and checking it out, but I found it a bit underwhelming.

It is a remarkable sight. It blends the remains of ancient ruins with a beautiful courtyard and captivating petroglyphs. The informational signage found throughout the site provides valuable insights. As you explore, you can't help but appreciate the effortless accessibility to such historical remnants. This must-visit spot in the national park allows you to vividly imagine life during those ancient times. The petroglyphs themselves are awe-inspiring and definitely worth the short trek for an up-close view. While the entire Petrified Forest National Park is stunning, the Pueblo stands out as one of the most captivating attractions. Its combination of ancient ruins and accompanying petroglyphs creates an unforgettable experience.

Amazing to see what an ancient civilization has left us. Great place to stop when visiting Petrified Forest National Park, to admire the remains of the old pueblo and petroglyphs on big rocks.

Loved this hike/walk. Beautiful surroundings!!

Visited Agate House in Petrified Forest National Park and really enjoyed the walk and the history behind it. Agate House is a partially reconstructed, eight-room pueblo originally built almost entirely from petrified wood by ancestral Puebloans between 1050 and 1300 AD. It sits on a small hill in the Rainbow Forest area and was likely a year-round home for a single family. The structure we see today was reconstructed in the 1930s. The site is accessible via the Agate House Trail, about a 2-mile round-trip walk from the parking area. The trail itself is worth the trip — there are plenty of beautiful petrified logs along the way. It does get hot when the sun is out, so bringing water and sun protection definitely helps. Overall, a very cool historic site and a nice hike.

Historic house built with petrified wood pieces. The trail from the Giant Logs parking lot is about 1 mile and will take you 20/25 minutes each way. Worth it if you have some extra time to spend in the park before leaving. In summer be careful for the high temperatures and bring water with you!

Pretty neat hike to an old house made out of Petrified Wood! I can't believe they use to live in places like this but they did. The trail from the parking lot to the house is well done. Portion of it was the old road that you could drive to but now a walking path. The rest is semi asphalt and hard packed dirt/gravel and easy to walk as well. There are many other Petrified Trees laying around in the area for you to see also. Some pretty big ones and lots of pieces throughout the walk. Also look for the animal dwellings! Not sure what they are but pretty cool to see once you start to notice them. Have a wonderful time and stay cool and hydrated! It can get quite warm in a hurry!

We did this hike combined this hike with the long logs hike. Overall the hike was nice. The agate house was cool to see though not the only reason to do the hike (thus the four star review).

Round hike to agate house is 2 miles. Throughout the hike thousands of petrified tree lies on both side of the trail. It is easy hike. The house is historical. Beautiful.

The path is a short walk across the bridge from the visitor center parking lot in the south. Didn't make it all the way back to the Agate House, but the loops before you get there were a landscape littered with an abundance of undisturbed petrified logs, which the paths wind over and and around. This was our first up-close view.

It's a Butte and it's Martha's. In the midst of a badlands.