The park is open year round except Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours may change, so please call before your arrival. Summers are generally hot with temperatures in the 90's and occasionally in the low 100's. In winter the highs in the 40's or 50's, or much colder with highs only in the 20's. There is occasional snow in the winter.
High winds can happen any time of year.
Humidity is usually low. Petrified Forest stretches between Interstate 40 and U.S. 180. Visitors can then take U.S. 180 west to Holbrook and continue west on Interstate 40. East bound visitors can exit Interstate 40 at Holbrook and take U.S. 180 east to the park, drive north through the park, and return to Interstate 40. The Painted Desert Visitor Center provides information, shows the park's orientation film, and sells books, postcards, posters, maps, slides and videos.