The Painted Desert viewpoint in Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona, USA. It lies between Holbrook and Petrified Forest National Park’s southern entrance and is situated in the northeastern Arizona desert. It is famous for its colorful layered rock formations and scenic desert views.
Petrified Forest Painted Desert viewpoint Location Map, Holbrook, Arizona
Arizona Related Links
Top Attractions Inside Petrified Forest Painted Desert Viewpoint
- Painted Desert Rim Viewpoints – Scenic overlooks providing panoramic views of colorful badlands and layered terrain.
- Artist’s Palette & Sunset Views – Areas highlighting vibrant red, orange, and purple hues, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Photography & Observation Decks – Designed spots for capturing the dramatic landscape and geological formations.
- Hiking Trails – Short trails allowing closer exploration of the Painted Desert’s unique rock layers.
- Wildlife Watching – Spot desert-adapted species such as lizards, birds, and small mammals.
- Educational Signage – Informational panels explaining geology, paleontology, and cultural history.
- Picnic Areas – Designated spots for resting and enjoying the expansive desert views.
Petrified Forest Painted Desert viewpoint Facts
| Official Name | Petrified Forest National Park – Painted Desert Viewpoint |
| Location | Holbrook, Navajo County / Apache County, Arizona, USA — Painted Desert region, Colorado Plateau |
| Latitude & Longitude | 35.0645° N, 109.7920° W |
| Total Area | Part of Petrified Forest National Park; viewpoint area covers immediate scenic overlook and adjacent trail sections |
| Established / Opened | Designated as part of Petrified Forest National Monument in 1906; became part of National Park in 1962 |
| Managed By | United States National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Northern Arizona / Colorado Plateau / Painted Desert |
| Address | Petrified Forest National Park – Painted Desert Viewpoint, 1 Park Road, Holbrook, AZ 86028, USA |
| Zip Code | 86028 |
| Area Code | 928 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 (No Daylight Saving observed in park) |
| Theme / Concept | Painted Desert geology, colorful stratified rock formations, scenic overlook, photography, natural history, hiking |
| Main Sections / Areas | Painted Desert Viewpoint overlook, parking and pull-off areas, short walking trails, interpretive signage, scenic photography points |
| Famous Attractions | Panoramic views of Painted Desert, multicolored sediment layers, sunrise and sunset photography, educational signage on geology and paleontology |
| Annual Visitors | Included in Petrified Forest National Park total – approx. 600,000–700,000 visitors; viewpoint sees high visitation |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission – Vehicle or Individual Entrance Fee to Petrified Forest National Park |
| Ticket Price Range | Vehicle day pass: ~$25; individual / motorcycle: ~$15; annual park pass: ~$45 |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle day pass, individual admission, annual park pass; access to viewpoints and scenic pull-offs included |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and Fall for mild temperatures and vibrant colors; sunrise/sunset for best photographic opportunities; summer can be hot |
| Nearby Airport | Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport (INW) – ~50 miles (80 km); Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – ~110 miles (177 km) |
| Transportation | Car via I-40 and park roads, short hiking trails, walking access from viewpoint pull-offs, photography stops along scenic drive |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/painted-desert.htm |
Distances from Petrified Forest Painted Desert viewpoint to Nearby Landmarks
- Painted Desert Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
- Blue Mesa – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Crystal Forest – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Agate Bridge – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Newspaper Rock – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Petrified Forest Museum – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Rainbow Forest Museum – 0 km (0 mi)
- Holbrook, AZ – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Joseph City, AZ – 90 km (55.9 mi)
- Winslow, AZ – 140 km (87 mi)
- Flagstaff, AZ – 220 km (136.7 mi)
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – 200 km (124.3 mi)
- Wupatki National Monument – 210 km (130.5 mi)
- Painted Desert Rim – 0 km (0 mi)
- Blue Forest Overlook – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Historic Route 66 – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Chinde Point – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Little Painted Desert – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Painted Desert Inn – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Puerco Pueblo – 10 km (6.2 mi)
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