Have you ever craved a trip that seamlessly blends breathtaking natural beauty with a fascinating journey through ancient history? Well here it is, because this 4-day itinerary for a road trip from Sedona to the Petrified Forest National Park promises exactly that! We’ll be traversing through Arizona’s diverse landscapes, exploring millennia-old volcanic wonders, and marveling at the petrified remnants of a prehistoric forest in this trip from Sedona to Petrified Forest.
How long does it take to drive from Sedona to Petrified National Forest
The distance from Sedona to Petrified Forest is 158.4 miles and take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. While the drive itself is relatively quick, consider adding extra time for scenic detours or exploring places like Walnut Canyon National Monument along the way.
Is Seeing Petrified Forest Worth it?
Absolutely! The Petrified Forest National Park boasts stunning petrified logs in vibrant colors, a unique geological wonder. Beyond the trees, painted desert landscapes and ancient ruins offer a glimpse into Arizona’s rich history. Seeing petrified Forest is a perfect weekend getaway for nature and history lovers.
| Days | 3-4 (for a relaxed journey) can be shortened to fit your needs |
| Miles | 190 (with stops) |
| # of Hours Driven | 3.5 hours (with stops) |
| National Parks | Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert |
| Highways Driven | Route 66 |
| Best Time to Visit | Late Spring, Summer, to early fall for ideal weather conditions |
| Cost | Priceless |
Before you embark on this trip I highly encourage you to get the National Parks Pass so you don’t have to pay an entrance fee to all the national parks and national monuments you will be visiting.
Sedona To Petrified National Forest Full Weekend Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Sedona to Flagstaff
| Distance | 27 miles |
| Time | 45 minutes |
Stops to Make Between Sedona and Flagstaff
- Morning (8:00 AM):Coffee First
For the day with a delicious coffee and croissant combo at a local bakery. For a quick and delightful option, consider “The Coffee Spot” on State Route 89A. (They open at 6AM)
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Hike Among the Red Rocks
Now only after you’ve had some liquid gold are you ready to hit the road. Or if you’d like to get some steps take a hike among the red rock formations. Cathedral Rock Trail (1.5 miles, moderate) offers breathtaking views, while Bell Rock Path (1.8 miles, easy) is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for this stop, depending on how long you linger taking photos or soaking in the vibes. (Cost: $5 per vehicle)
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Refuel at Elote Cafe
After your Bell Rock adventure, head to Flagstaff for lunch. Here is a list of Flagstaff Restaurants to check out.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM): Visit Quirky Shops and Stock up on Snacks
Flagstaff has a surprising amount to offer. Walk along historic Route 66, stopping in at some of the quirky shops and classic car museums. The Arizona Historical Society Museum offers a glimpse into Arizona’s rich past. (Cost: Museum entry ~$10, varies depending on museum)
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Journey to Sunset Crater Volcano
As you leave Flagstaff, head towards Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. This 1,000-year-old cinder cone volcano is a fascinating sight. A short Lava Flow Trail leads you to the rim, offering panoramic views of the surrounding black lava flows.
Allow 45 minutes to an hour for this stop. Its even more beautiful at sunset. (Cost: Entrance fee – $20/vehicle or free with the National Parks Pass)
- Evening (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Pizza for Dinner
After checking into our hotel in Flagstaff (Flagstaff has a good range of hotels to suit all budgets!), we head to Fat Olives for a classic wood fired pizza. (Cost: around $10-15 per person).
Related Reads: Phoenix to Sedona Road Trip is the Antidote to Everything
Day 2: Flagstaff to Holbrook
On day 2 of this trip from Sedona to Petrified Forest , there will be many stops along the way including Walnut Canyon National Monument and Meteor Crater Lake.
| Distance | 101 mile |
| Time | 1.5 hours |
Stops to Make Between Flagstaff and Holbrook
- Morning (8:00 AM): Coffee First Always
Grab a coffee and breakfast burrito at Wicked AZ Coffee in Flagstaff for a jolty start to your day.
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Delve into History at Walnut Canyon National Monument
Head out to Walnut Canyon National Monument. This hidden gem boasts cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people between 600 and 1450 AD. A self-guided trail leads you past some of these dwellings, offering a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people. Allow 1-2 hours for this stop, depending on how fast you walk and how much time you spend exploring the dwellings. (Cost: Entrance fee – $10/adult)
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Lunch Pick Me Up
Continue your journey towards Holbrook. There are plenty of fast-food options along the way, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique, Agave Mexican Restaurant 6 miles from Walnut Canyon. Or you can have a picnic at the canyon, there is plenty of seating.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
No trip to this part of Arizona is complete without a stop at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark. This massive crater, caused by a meteorite impact over 50,000 years ago, is a humbling sight. The visitor center offers exhibits on the impact event and the crater’s ecosystem. A self-guided trail takes you to the rim for breathtaking views. For a truly unique experience, opt for the rim tour, which takes you down a portion of the crater’s inner slope in a specially designed vehicle.
(Cost: Entrance fee – $25/adult, Rim Tours – additional fee, ~$20) Allow at least 1-2 hours for this stop, depending on whether you take the rim tour.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Route 66 Nostalgia in Holbrook
After your cosmic encounter at the Meteor Crater, head to Holbrook, a charming town steeped in Route 66 nostalgia. Check into your hotel and freshen up before exploring the town’s main drag.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner in Holbrook
Holbrook offers a variety of dining options for dinner. This historic landmark is a must-see, even if you just browse the kitschy souvenirs.
- Night (7:30 PM): Stargaze
If you’re feeling adventurous, head out for some stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the Arizona night sky is a dazzling display of stars. Find a secluded spot away from town lights and marvel at the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. Check in to your hotel in Holbrook or campsite, a convenient stopover for the next leg of your journey. Look for hotels around $80-$100 per night.
Optional Activities in Holbrook
- Explore the Holbrook Route 66 Museum to delve into the history of this iconic highway (Entrance Fee: $8 for adults).
- Take a stroll down Holbrook’s historic downtown and admire the vintage neon signs.
Day 3: Holbrook to Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert
On Day 3 of this trip from Sedona to Petrified Forest, we finally arrive to Petrified Forest and Painted Desert and explore the entire place.
| Distance | 78 miles |
| Time | 1.5 hours |
- Morning (8:00 AM): Coffee Refuel is always the first thing on my itineraries
Fuel up for your final days of exploration with breakfast at Tom and Suzies Diner Their portions are generous, and the friendly service sets the tone for a great day ahead. (Cost: ~$10-20)
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Drive to Painted Desert and Petrified National Park
As you drive towards Petrified National Park, keep your eyes peeled for the remains of Route 66, occasionally visible alongside the modern highway.
- Park Entrance (11:00 AM): Arrival to Petrified National Park and Painted Forest
Welcome to Petrified Forest National Park! Pick up your park entrance pass (Entrance Fee – $20/vehicle) at the entrance station and grab a park map.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Lunch with a View
There are picnic areas within the park where you can enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the stunning scenery.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Exploring Painted Desert and Petrified National Park
The Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert offers a variety of sights and activities. This vast stretch of badlands, painted in hues of red, orange, purple, and black by mineral deposits, is a photographer’s paradise.
There are several viewpoints along the way to pull over and capture the stunning scenery. It takes at least 45 minutes to drive the 28-mile (45-km) road through the park, but to truly experience it try to allow at least a couple of hours to drive Blue Mesa Road, take a hike, and stop at the spectacular viewpoints along the way.
Things to Do at Petrified National Park and Painted Desert
- Rainbow Forest: This is the heart of the park, where you’ll find the most concentrated area of colorful petrified logs. Take the short Rainbow Forest Trail for a close-up look at these ancient trees, or drive the scenic loop and stop at various overlooks for panoramic views.
- Painted Desert Visitor Center: This visitor center offers exhibits on the park’s geology, ecology, and human history. Take in the breathtaking views of the Painted Desert from the overlook here.
- Blue Mesa Trail: This moderate 1-mile loop trail takes you through colorful badlands and offers stunning views of the Painted Desert. Allow 1-2 hours for this hike, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos. I am sure you have seen many on instagram
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Scenic Drive through Painted Desert
As the day winds down, take a scenic drive through the rest of the park, stopping at overlooks to soak in the beauty of the Painted Desert.
- Sunset (5:00 PM): Capture an Epic Sunset Photo at Painted Desert
Find a spot with a clear view of the west and watch as the Painted Desert transforms into a canvas of fiery colors as the sun dips below the horizon. The golden light of the setting sun paints the badlands in even more dramatic hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Find a scenic overlook and simply soak in the beauty of this otherworldly landscape.
Tip: If you’re an avid photographer, this is the golden hour you’ve been waiting for! Capture the magic of the Painted Desert bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
- Dinner (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM): Dinner in Holbrook
Have dinner in Holbrook which is the closest city with food options.
- Evening (7:30) :Check into your place for the night
Check into your Holbrook hotel or glamping site you chose to stay in, here are some options for lodging within the park
Day 4: Exploring More of Petrified National Forest and Heading Home
- Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Exploring the Rainbow Forest
On your final day, delve deeper into the wonders of the Petrified Forest National Park. Your first stop is the Rainbow Forest, located in the park’s southern section. Here, the petrified logs are particularly vibrant, boasting a rainbow of colors due to the presence of minerals like iron and manganese.
Explore the area via the Giant Logs Trail, a short loop trail that takes you past some of the park’s most impressive petrified wood specimens. The logs here are truly massive, some stretching over 100 feet in length! Imagine these giants towering over the landscape millions of years ago.
- Lunch (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Picnic Lunch at the Rainbow Forest Picnic Area
After marveling at the Rainbow Forest, enjoy a picnic lunch at the designated picnic area surrounded by the beauty of the park.
- Saying Goodbye to Arizona (12:00 PM – Onwards): Back to Sedona
With a heavy heart (but a camera roll full of memories!), we begin our journey back to Sedona (Distance: 190 miles, Estimated Time: 3 hours 45 minutes). The drive offers one last chance to appreciate the vastness and diversity of Arizona’s landscapes.
Beyond the Itinerary
This itinerary is just a starting point. Depending on your interests and pace, you can easily add or subtract activities. Here are a few ideas:
- For the history buff: Explore the Puerco Pueblo ruins within the park, remnants of an ancient village inhabited by the ancestors of the Hopi people.
- For the stargazer: The park offers some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states. Join a ranger-led astronomy program or simply find a secluded spot and gaze at the Milky Way.
- For the hiker: The park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging. For a longer trek, try the Kachina Point Trail, which rewards you with panoramic views of the Painted Desert and the surrounding mountains.
Key Takeaways
- Mileage and Distance: The total mileage for this road trip is approximately 400 miles.
- Costs and Fees: The total cost for entrance fees to national monuments and parks is approximately $112 per vehicle and $37 per person. You can also get the National Parks Pass which will save you lots of $$$ as it will be $80 to enter all National Parks and Monuments across the US
- Places to Stop for Lunch: Flagstaff, Holbrook, Winslow, and Sedona offer a variety of dining options for lunch.
- Places to Get Coffee and Donuts: Look for local cafes and bakeries in Flagstaff, Holbrook, Winslow, and Sedona for your caffeine and sweet treat fix.
- Time Estimates: The time estimates for each activity are approximate and may vary depending on your pace and interests. Adjust your schedule accordingly.
I hope this detailed itinerary inspires you to plan your own Arizona adventure! Remember, this is just a suggestion, feel free to adapt it to your interests and create your own unforgettable journey.
