Petrified Forest National Park with Dogs
Looking for a national park where your dog can explore right alongside you? Visiting Petrified Forest National Park with dogs is a great option! It ranks up there as one of the most pet-friendly park in the entire National Park System. Unlike many others, this park welcomes leashed dogs on most trails, overlooks, and even into backcountry areas unless posted signs say otherwise. That means your pup can enjoy the full experience almost anywhere you go.
Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its rainbow-hued petrified wood, expansive badlands, and stretches of Route 66 history. The park is also home to the striking Painted Desert and countless ancient fossils. It’s one of the few parks where you can drive the entire scenic route in a few hours while still stopping to see unforgettable landscapes – and now, your dog can join you nearly every step of the way.
A Truly Dog-Friendly Park
You don’t have to pick and choose trails here – your dog can go almost anywhere with you. Just keep them leashed and follow any posted restrictions. With few limitations, it’s easy to make the most of your visit. The park has also added a new dog park, making it even more welcoming for four-legged travelers. It’s a great stop to let them stretch and play off-leash before continuing on your scenic journey. The main park road stretches for 28 miles and features numerous pull-offs and short walks. Your dog can hop out and explore with you at almost every stop. This makes visiting Petrified Forest National Park with dogs an ideal road trip destination. There’s no stress about where pets can go – just wide open space and lots of desert air.
Painted Desert Inn Stop: Views and a Treat
One of our favorite stops was the Painted Desert Inn, not just for the building’s history, but for the stunning overlook views of the Painted Desert. There’s a trail near the inn where dogs are welcome, and the overlook alone is worth the stop. Even better—there’s an ice cream parlor downstairs. We cooled off with a cone and even let our dog sneak a quick lick (don’t worry, just a small one!).
Crystal Forest: Our Favorite Walk
Our favorite stop in the park was the Crystal Forest. This area features an easy, paved loop trail that winds through fields of petrified wood. The path is wide, mostly flat, and dog-friendly—making it ideal for a relaxing walk. Our pups loved getting up close to the colorful fossilized logs, and we loved how quiet and peaceful the trail felt.
Blue Mesa: Otherworldly Views
The Blue Mesa area offers a loop drive with several pull-offs that are perfect for short walks with your dog. The blue and purple hues of the badlands give this section of the park a unique, almost alien look. We enjoyed taking the dogs out at a few of the overlooks, where they could safely sniff around while we soaked in the views.
Whether you’re taking in the Painted Desert views, walking among ancient petrified logs, or simply cruising with your dog by your side, visiting Petrified Forest National Park with dogs delivers one of the best national park experiences for pet lovers. It’s easy, scenic, and full of surprises for both humans and pups. Check out our dog-friendly travel posts for more trip ideas and tips.