Go RVing Around the Petrified Forest National Park

Slather on your sunscreen and strap on your RV rental seat belt — a memorable adventure awaits you in the Petrified Forest National Park. Prepare to encounter petrified wood formations that date back 225 million years. What once were gigantic coniferous trees, ginkgos, and tree ferns are now mineral crystals and one of the greatest petrified wood concentrations globally, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

There couldn’t be any better way to relax and wind down while still enjoying the beauty of mother nature. It’s time to experience the history that Petrified Forest National Park has to offer. So, whether you’re planning to cruise America and go RVing as a family, a group of friends, a couple, colleagues, or an individual, the forest has so much to explore and create memories.

Located in northeastern Arizona. In its south, the Rainbow Forest is full of colorful petrified wood. It’s home to the Rainbow Forest Museum, with its paleontology exhibits and many trail access points. In the park’s center are the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock and the ruined village of Puerco Pueblo. To the north, the Painted Desert Inn, a 1930s adobe building, is a museum with Hopi murals.

Let’s hit the road!

Soak In The Beauty of Mother Nature

The Petrified Forest features a colorful collection of petrified wood. It ranks as the only park in the United States that protects a section of the famed Route 66. The southern part of the park includes archaeological sites, historic structures, and fossils dating back many years ago. The only way to explore all these regions exhaustively is to go RVing.

Take a road trip through the backcountry trails and head towards Martha’s Butte or Red Basin. Your cruise America adventure will be more relaxing if you get a backcountry permit that allows you to wander at will. Book a guided tour, too, and you’ll get trained experts to guide you through the best vistas in the national park.

Backcountry camping inside the park is the most incredible place to park your RV. However, if the open space isn’t something you’d enjoy, you can park at the adjacent private campsites; El Morro National Monument and Canyon de Chelly National Monument. 

There’s Still More to See on Your RV Road Trip

Chinle Formation

This sprawling park stretches across 230 sq. mi. into the Painted Desert. The beautiful Chinle Formation has produced some stunning-colored rocks. You can hike, photograph, and sightsee your way through this one-of-a-kind geological wonderland.

Colorful Geology

Any hiker will be delighted by the exotic trees and colorful geology. There’s also a plethora of native flora and animals you’ll meet on your road trip. The terrain is covered in beautiful grasses like blue gramma and sacaton. This area is also home to bobcats, coyotes, and countless bird species.

Archaeological sites

The park was inhabited for more than 8,000 years, and over 600 archeological sites disclose only a handful of humanity’s ancient predecessors’ mysteries. Oral tradition and archeological evidence both testify to a long history of humans in the region, which was once home to the Diné Bikéyah, Pueblo, Zuni, and Hopi Tutskwa. You can take in and enjoy the archaeological sites that dot the landscape. Remember the land’s history; neither touch nor carry anything you come across in the forest. 

Crystal Forest

Take a look at the beautiful petrified woods on this route to observe the crystal deposits. The hike is short and begins at the Crystal Forest Viewpoint. The short-level trail winds through vast chunks of petrified wood, and the trek is suitable for all abilities.

Painted Desert Rim

This short out-and-back trek offers magnificent views of the Painted Desert, plus it’s a great place to see native vegetation and fauna. The trail is 1.2 miles long and situated in Chambers, Arizona. It’s great for hikers of all ability levels and mainly utilized for trekking and walking. Additionally, this route is also open to dogs kept on a leash.

Top 5 Things to Do on a Road Trip to Petrified Forest

After your tour around the Petrified Forest, park your RV rental and create more memorable activities. From tasting some Mexican delicacies to learning from the informative cultural exhibits, here are some highlights in Petrified Forest;

Painted Desert Diner

Need a quick, easy dinner or lunch that doesn’t mean driving your RV rental out of the national park? You’ll definitely love a plate from the Painted Desert Diner. This is an excellent, convenient, in-site spot that serves all kinds of dishes, from veggie wraps to hot dogs to hamburgers, and much more.

Alberto’s Mexican

If you’re craving some spicy meals, drive your RV to Holbrook and get a fill with the mouth-watering Mexican food. This is a locally-loved chain that you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting the Petrified Forest National Park.

Mandarin Beauty

If you need stomach refills, go for the authentic Chinese classics in Holbrook’s Mandarin Beauty Chinese Restaurant.

Relic Road Brewing Company

When you go RVing through a hot desert, nothing beats quenching your thirst with an ice-cold brew. So, if you’re looking to upgrade from the warm Bud Light in your RV’s cooler, grab yourself some cold ones from Winslow brewery. Relic Road also provides substantial pub fare in addition to its great handmade brews.

Turquoise Room

You’ll love this sophisticated southwestern restaurant in the La Posada hotel. It’s an ideal site for a date night, and you can take advantage of this beauty and propose or make a toast to that big announcement. You can also order drinks, breakfast, and lunch while in the room. Don’t forget to go through the heritage-inspired evening menu and extensive wine selection to have something unique.

Did You Know?

Here’s something you probably didn’t know about Petrified Forest:

• It’s the only national park dedicated to preserving Route 66. Read more about the hidden gems and scenic stops along this historic highway.
• Almost 50,000 acres of Petrified Forest National Park are designated as wilderness and cannot be developed with roads or trails.
• The park has nine historical sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• There are around 216 bird species in the park.
• Jasper Forest, Tawa Point, Long Logs, Agate House, Crystal Forest, Agate Bridge, Tiponi Point, and Newspaper Rock are the most popular places to visit in the area.

Time Needed for a Road Trip around the Petrified Forest

The 28-mile route through the Petrified Forest National Park takes about 45 minutes if you drive straight through. To fully enjoy it in your RV rental, you could branch out and take a couple hours driving through the Blue Mesa Road or stop for a stretch. Be sure to walk through the stunning vistas along the way if you want to make memories. Kachina, Tiponi, and Tawa points provide panoramic viewpoints and are approximately two miles north of the Painted Desert. Notably, the Petrified Forest National Park does not have overnight parking or camping facilities.

Here’s How Your RV Rental Works

Find Your Perfect RV Rental

With the wide assortment of RVs available at RVnGo, you can pick the one that perfectly suits your needs and preferences for a road trip. And whether you want a wheelchair-accessible RV, ADA compliant RV, or pet-friendly RV, there’s always something special waiting for you.

With the many flexible options available, you can either select a one-way RV rental or one with a return trip. And don’t worry about the strain of going to the office location to pick up your RV; your host may be able to deliver your preferred pick to your residential address.

Book Your RV Rental

You already have something in mind. It’s time to let the RV host know your preferred choice. Booking is free, straightforward, and fast. Send the host an inquiry or use the “Book Now” feature. You’ll be required to select the RV and the specific dates that will work for you.

Once this is done, you can get started on your road trip!

Start Your RVing Adventure

Communicate with the RV owner through the RVnGO website to plan a delivery or pick-up time. During your RV rental period, be sure to maintain the RV’s condition to avoid accidents or any damages. Once that is done, start your adventure and enjoy the 24/7 roadside assistance guarantee.

Get Started and Go RVing Today!

Thinking of spending a night watching wildlife under a sky full of stars? It’s time you tried an RV rental from RVnGO. RVnGO lets you disconnect from the hustle-and-bustle of the city and reconnect through an RV adventure around the Petrified Forest. If you want to take an adventurous road trip to the famous Petrified Forest, RVnGO ensures you get a fantastic RV rental experience.

What are you waiting for? Click here to reach us for a quote and go RVing!

P.S. On Your Road Trip, Don’t Forget!

RVing is one of the best ways to cruise America. 

Pack plenty of layers and rain gear, plus sun screen and hats! The weather at Petrified Forest National Park can vary wildly with extremes in daily temperatures. It’s hot in summer with afternoon thunderstorms and cool nights. Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, but the day warms up and the snow melts quickly. It’s a mixed bag, so be prepared! Read more about what to pack in our packing checklist.

Check out America’s Top 20 National Parks for Your Summer Vacation. There are 19 other fabulous national parks to visit when you go RVing! Check them out.