Petrified Forest National Park
Named for its large deposits of petrified wood, the park covers about 346 square miles, encompassing semi-desert shrub steppe as well as highly eroded and colorful badlands.
In the arid grasslands that constitute Petrified Forest National Park, temperatures range from below freezing to above 100°F, providing a unique habitat for southwestern birds including raptors, songbirds, and warblers. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds, some of which are permanent residents and many of which are migratory including Gray Flycatcher, Sage Thrasher, and Sagebrush Sparrow. The Horned Lark, the only true North American lark, is the park’s most abundant bird species.
Site Information
Region: Northern
County: Apache
Directions: Petrified Forest National Park stretches north and south between Interstate 40 and Highway 180. There are two entrances into the park. Westbound Interstate 40 travelers: take Exit 311, drive the 28 miles through the park and connect with Highway 180 at the south end. Travel 19 miles on Highway 180 North to return to Interstate 40 via Holbrook. Eastbound Interstate 40 travelers: take Exit 285 into Holbrook then travel 19 miles on Highway 180 South to the park's south entrance. Drive the 28 miles north through the park to return to Interstate 40.
Latitude: 35.064
Longitude: -109.7847
Operational Hours: Open regular business hours
Admission or Fees: $25.00 per vehicle; annual pass; America the Beautiful pass
Habitats: Desert
Know Before You Go
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, Scaled Quail
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Black-throated Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Lesser Goldfinch, Loggerhead Shrike, Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Contact Information
Petrified Forest National Park
National Park Service
P.O. Box 2217
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028-2217
Phone: 928-524-6228
Website: https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L295907
Additional Resources:
Birding the Navajo and Hopi Reservations
