Drive through millions of years of geology with a hands-free audio guide. This self-guided driving tour of Petrified Forest National Park maps 27+ miles of overlooks, short hikes, and cultural sites with practical tips for planning and safety.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off Park Road and the high desert opens like a page from deep time: cracked badlands, banded clay, and the occasional stump turned to stone catching the sun. The car hums; the audio guide queues the first story at the Painted Desert Visitor Center and a narrator begins to point out what the road and horizon already hint at.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required for the driving route; be prepared for brief, easy to moderate walks (up to 2.4 miles) on uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
The park preserves late Triassic fossil forests and sites tied to early 20th-century tourism, including the Painted Desert Inn and a stretch of Historic Route 66.
Conservation
Removing petrified wood is illegal and damages the park; stick to designated trails and pack out trash to protect fragile soils and fossils.
Reserve your spot on the Petrified Forest National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you arrive
Download the Action Tour Guide app and the tour file over Wi‑Fi—cell signal is patchy inside the park, and the tour works offline once saved.
Bring an entrance pass
Park entry is not included; buy a Petrified Forest National Park pass ahead of time or at the visitor center to avoid delays.
Respect speed limits and pullouts
The audio cues are timed for designated pullouts—slow down for wildlife and photo stops to keep everyone safe.
Pack water and sun protection
Short hikes are exposed to sun and wind; carry at least 1–2 liters per person and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Smartphone or tablet with app downloaded
Required to run the audio tour offline and follow route prompts.
Water bottle (2L recommended)
Keeps you hydrated during exposed walks and while waiting at overlooks.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Desert sun is strong year-round; protection reduces sunburn and glare for photos.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Trails are short but uneven—good traction and ankle support help on eroded sections.