The Painted Desert/Petrified forest is a nice place to see, but I wouldn't give it the same rating as the Grand Canyon! There's a reason the Grand Canyon gets all of the visitors that it does, and that the Painted Desert does not. Is it scenic? Sure! Is it worth spending a day at? No. It is a nice drive... more

Allow yourself some time to drive to this location and explore. The painted desert is beautiful. The adults thought the petrified forest was neat, but the kids wanted to be able to hike around more and see the park more fully. more

I read alot of reviews online saying don't waste your time, etc. I have no idea what those people were talking about. This was one of our favorite spots especially for you closet photographers out there like me. We spent about 4 hours here and wished we had the whole day. There is so much to see and do. So... more

My husband and I visited on our return trip home from Sedona. We were here many years ago, but it was at sunset and we were really rushed. This time we had more time to explore the area and really enjoy the beauty of it. The booklet from the park rangers at the entrance is very helpful. We drove through... more

My boyfriend and I planned a stop at the Painted Dessert and Petrified Forest along our cross country road trip. At the entrance to the park the rangers give you a booklet of information explaining all there is to see and the history of the park, which was really useful. We went through the park making periodic stops but mostly... more

We recently spent a day visiting the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park. What struck me the most about the Petrified Forest was how little of the petrified trees there were left, so many of them have been chipped away, dragged away, stolen or sold. In the museum shop there are several "books of shame", filled with letters from people who... more

My husband and I took a trip and toured Arizona and New Mexico for 10 days. The painted desert was an absolutely amazing place to see. If you are touring this area...this is definately a "must see to believe" place. If you have children that are inquizitive...this place will blow their minds. Amoung all the monuments and ruins...even the Grand... more

Arizona is a beautiful state, no doubt, but this is another one of those attractions that you can stop at one spot along the route and see it all. Much like the Grand Canyon. Once you've seen it, no reason to go back. Beautiful place, very different from the Eastern U.S., but a boring place to visit. I can't imagine... more

Most folks drive right past the Petrified Forrest National Park/Painted Desert on their way to the Grand Canyon without so much as turning their heads. This is a huge mistake. Arizona is blessed with two of the most awesome National Parks in America so close together. The Painted Desert is outstanding. The color palate is breathtaking, and some of the... more