Painted Desert Dreams: A 5-Day Petrified Forest RV Adventure

by Moto Nation | June 2025 | Arizona Road Trips, National Parks

Step into a place where ancient trees turned to stone, colorful cliffs stretch for miles, and desert silence invites reflection. Petrified Forest National Park is a hidden gem just a few hours from Phoenix—and it’s perfect for exploring by RV. With wide-open skies, fossil-filled trails, and classic Route 66 charm, this 5-day itinerary promises both relaxation and discovery.

Day 1: Desert Arrival & Painted Views

Pick up your Moto Nation RV in Phoenix and head northeast toward Holbrook, Arizona, the closest RV-friendly town to the park. Check into OK RV Park or Root 66 RV Park, both highly rated and welcoming to big rigs. Once settled, cruise into the park and visit the Painted Desert Visitor Center. Then drive to the Painted Desert Rim Trail for an easy, awe-inspiring first walk along vividly colored badlands.

Day 2: Route 66 + Crystal Forest

Get an early start and enter the park through the northern entrance. Stop by the Route 66 alignment within the park—complete with a vintage car and historic markers. Then explore the Puerco Pueblo ruins, a short walk through a 600-year-old ancestral site with petroglyphs. In the afternoon, hike the Crystal Forest Trail, one of the park’s most famous fossil wood areas with glittering quartz-covered logs.

Day 3: Blue Mesa Magic

Today is all about the otherworldly Blue Mesa Trail. This short loop winds through purple-and-blue-striped badlands that look like another planet. Bring your camera—this is one of the most photogenic parts of the park. Afterward, visit the Giant Logs Trail near the Rainbow Forest Museum, where you’ll find some of the largest petrified tree trunks in the world.

Day 4: Adventure Beyond the Park

Take a day trip from Holbrook to explore nearby gems. Head to Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, AZ (made famous by the Eagles song), then stop at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, the best-preserved impact site on Earth. If you’re feeling bold, explore the historic town of Snowflake or Hubbell Trading Post for a look at Navajo culture and art.

Day 5: Sunrise Walk & Scenic Drive Home

Enjoy a peaceful sunrise breakfast at your campsite, then take one last stroll along the Long Logs Trail, a slightly longer loop with some of the park’s oldest and most dramatic fossil logs. Before leaving, drive the full 28-mile Petrified Forest Road, stopping at scenic points like Tiponi Point, Jasper Forest, and Agate Bridge. Then make your way back to Phoenix, desert-humbled and wonder-filled.

Recommended Activities & Rentals

• Petrified Forest National Park is a non-commercial park (no in-park rentals), but hiking trails like:
  • Blue Mesa Trail,
  • Crystal Forest,
  • Long Logs,
  • and Painted Desert Rim are free, well-marked, and family-friendly.
• Stop at Jim Gray’s Petrified Wood Co. in Holbrook for souvenirs and local history.
• Meteor Crater Visitor Center: Offers guided rim tours, a 4D experience, and museum-quality exhibits.

Food Recommendations

• Tom & Suzie’s Diner (Holbrook) – Classic American fare and Route 66 vibes.
• Butterfield Stage Co. Steakhouse – Western-themed dining with hearty meals.
• Romano’s Pizza (Winslow) – Great pizza stop during your day trip.
• Joe & Aggie’s Cafe – A local legend with Mexican-American comfort food right on Route 66.
• Grocery Tip: Stock your RV in Phoenix or at Safeway in Holbrook for fresh produce, snacks, and breakfast items.