Petrified Forest National Park: A Dog Friendly Version

We visited in May 2022 while passing through Arizona. There is one main road through the park with two visitors centers, so make sure you know which way your road trip will take you so you can pick the right direction! There are a lot of small hiking spots throughout the park, your trip will most likely consist of a lot of short drives and short hikes/view points.

The Entrance Fee is $25 and is good for 7 days. The Annual Pass for Petrified Forest National Park is $45. America the Beautiful Pass is accepted. We suggest at least a half day here.

BONUS: Look out for some conscience rock pile around the park. Hundreds of people year year have sent back petrified wood that have regrettable stolen from the park. Why? Because it’s cursed. For decades people have been sending back petrified wood with letters explaining the bad things that have happened to them since taking it. There’s even a display in the Rainbow Forest Museum called “Mystery of the Conscience Wood” with returned pieces of wood and a binder full of conscience letters dating back to 1935.

**Lacey Point**

One of a few viewpoints to pick from near the North Entrance. Perfect place to stop and get some great photos of the Painted Desert!

**Mesa Trail**

Blue, purple, and grey banded hills with some petrified logs will be your view for this 1 mile hike. You’ll pull off the main road onto a 5 mile loop- at the midpoint you’ll park at the sun shelter and start the 1 mile hike there. The loop dips down quite a bit so be careful of the downgrade and make sure you can make it back up.

**Puerco Pueblo**

At only 0.3 miles, this is a quick way to stretch out your legs is while passing by an ancient Puebloan Village and a mini museum.

**Giant Logs**

0.4 miles long. The largest concentration of petrified wood and the area with the largest logs. Located behind the Rainbow Forest Museum- pop in to the museum to get a booklet to accompany you through the number posts along this trail.

**Newspaper Rock**

An overlook that’s viewpoint is two boulders with over 600 petroglyphs on the underside.

Where to Stay: The two closet towns are Holbrook and Sanders. There are dog friendly hotel options in both of these towns if you're staying overnight. Because there are limited options make sure you plan ahead so you don’t get stuck.

Where to Eat: Bring you own food! There’s no food options within the park so your best option is to bring your food with you. There is a great covered picnic area by the Rainbow Forest Museum. I suggest sitting down in the shade for a while and eating a picnic. There’s a water fountain at this area so fill up!

Axel’s Pup Tip: Because so many paths are paved watch out for those paws! The pavement heats up fast- to check how warm it is by putting the back of your hand to the paved road for 10 seconds- if you can’t keep it there, then its too hot for you pup’s feet! We suggest some boots if you’re unsure and want to enjoy the trip no matter the weather!

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Axel’s Packing List: Ruffwear Dog Boots, Nalgene Water Bottle, Owala Water Bottle, Natural Dog Company Treats, Dog Sunscreen, Kurgo Dog Food Travel Bag, Collapsible Dog Bowl