Dogs at Petrified Forest National Park

Leashed dogs are welcome on paved roads and trails and in designated wilderness areas, with a fenced bark park near Painted Desert Visitor Center.

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Petrified Forest National Park Dog Policy

Petrified Forest is one of the more dog-friendly national parks, but dogs must stay leashed, out of buildings, and under close control at all times.

Leash Required Yes, leash must be 6 feet or less
Dogs on Trails Yes - allowed on developed trails, paved roads and trails, and designated wilderness areas
Dogs in Campgrounds No front-country campground; overnight stays are only by backpacking permit in the designated wilderness area
Restricted Areas Park buildings, including visitor centers, museums, gift shops, and other federal buildings unless the dog is a service animal
Entrance Fee $25 private vehicle, $20 motorcycle, $15 per person on foot/bicycle (7 days)
Kennel Available No kennel listed by the park
Unattended Pets Pets may not be tied to an object and left unattended for longer than 5 minutes
Dog Park Yes - fenced bark park with separate areas for small and large dogs near Painted Desert Visitor Center

The park’s B.A.R.K. guidance asks visitors to bag pet waste, always leash dogs, respect wildlife, and know where pets can go. Heat can be dangerous in parked vehicles, so do not leave pets unattended in the car. Petrified Forest is also day-use only except for permitted backpacking in the wilderness area.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Dog-Friendly Trails

Pets are allowed on Petrified Forest’s developed trails and must remain on a leash at all times. These are real park trails with official distances from NPS.

Tawa Trail

Groomed

1.2 miles one way, easy. A gentle walk between Tawa Point and Painted Desert Visitor Center with broad Painted Desert views and minimal elevation change.

Leashed dogs allowed; leash must be 6 feet or less.

Trailheads at Tawa Point and Painted Desert Visitor Center, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Painted Desert Rim Trail

Dirt/Gravel

1 mile round trip, easy to moderate. This unpaved rim trail runs between Tawa Point and Kachina Point through woodland with expansive desert overlooks.

Leashed dogs allowed on developed trails; keep pets under control and clean up after them.

Trailheads at Tawa Point and Kachina Point, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Puerco Pueblo Trail

Paved

0.3 mile loop, easy. A short paved walk past ancestral Puebloan ruins and petroglyph viewing areas; great for a quick stop with a dog on leash.

Leashed dogs allowed; stay on trail and away from cultural features.

Puerco Pueblo parking area, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Blue Mesa Trail

Paved/Gravel

1 mile loop, moderate. This scenic route descends into blue badlands and passes petrified wood deposits; the steep start makes it more challenging than its length suggests.

Leashed dogs allowed on developed trails; bring water and watch paws on hot surfaces.

Blue Mesa sun shelter, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Crystal Forest Trail

Paved

0.75 mile loop, easy. One of the best short walks for seeing colorful petrified logs and crystal-filled wood close to the trail.

Leashed dogs allowed; pets must remain on leash at all times.

Crystal Forest parking area, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Giant Logs Trail

Paved

0.4 mile loop, easy to moderate. A short paved trail behind Rainbow Forest Museum with some stairs and views of some of the park’s largest petrified logs.

Leashed dogs allowed outdoors; dogs are not allowed inside buildings.

Behind Rainbow Forest Museum, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Long Logs Trail

Paved/Dirt

1.6 mile loop, moderate. A longer walk through one of the park’s biggest concentrations of petrified wood, with a paved first half-mile and rougher sections beyond.

Leashed dogs allowed on developed trails; clean up after your pet.

Rainbow Forest Museum parking area, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Agate House Trail

Paved/Dirt

2 miles round trip, easy to moderate. This trail leads toward the reconstructed Agate House area; visitors must stay at least 15 feet from the structure due to closure restrictions.

Leashed dogs allowed on trail; keep pets away from cultural resources and follow posted closures.

Rainbow Forest Museum parking area, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ

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Tips for Visiting Petrified Forest National Park with Your Dog

Bring more water than you think you need for both you and your dog, because this high-desert park is dry, sunny, and exposed with very little shade on most walks. Start early or visit later in the day during warm weather, and test pavement or rock with your hand before asking your dog to walk on it. Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, bag waste, and give wildlife plenty of space—rabbits, lizards, snakes, and birds all live here. Dogs are not allowed inside park buildings, so plan restroom and museum stops with another adult if possible. If you want a place for a quick sniff break, the fenced bark park near Painted Desert Visitor Center is a useful stop. For overnight trips, remember the park is day-use only unless you have a backpacking permit for the designated wilderness area, so most visitors with dogs will stay in nearby gateway towns such as Holbrook or Winslow.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Holbrook, Arizona

About 26 miles west

The closest main gateway town to the park, with Route 66 character, lodging, and easy access to park entrances.

Winslow, Arizona

About 58 miles west

A classic northern Arizona stop with visitor services, historic Route 66 appeal, and a convenient base for road-trippers.

Show Low, Arizona

About 95 miles south

A larger White Mountains hub with more lodging and dining options if you want to pair desert sightseeing with cooler elevations.

Gallup, New Mexico

About 95 miles east

A practical eastern approach to the park with hotels, restaurants, and a strong arts and trading-post heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Petrified Forest National Park?

Yes. Leashed dogs are allowed on paved roads and trails, on developed trails, and in designated wilderness areas. Dogs are not allowed inside park buildings unless they are service animals.

How long can my dog’s leash be at Petrified Forest?

The park requires dogs to be physically restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Can dogs go inside the visitor centers or museums?

No. Only service animals are allowed inside park buildings, including visitor centers, museums, gift shops, and other federal facilities.

Are there dog-friendly hiking trails in Petrified Forest?

Yes. Dog-friendly options include Tawa Trail, Painted Desert Rim Trail, Puerco Pueblo, Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, Long Logs, and Agate House, as long as your dog stays leashed.

Is there a dog park at Petrified Forest National Park?

Yes. The park has a fenced bark park with separate areas for small and large dogs next to the Painted Desert Visitor Center parking lot.

Can I camp with my dog in Petrified Forest National Park?

There is no front-country campground. Overnight stays are only allowed by backpacking into the designated wilderness area with a permit, so most visitors with dogs stay in nearby towns.

Can I leave my dog tied up outside while I go inside a building?

No. Pets may not be tied to an object and left unattended for longer than 5 minutes, and leaving pets in vehicles is discouraged because heat can become dangerous quickly.

Does Petrified Forest National Park have a kennel?

No kennel is listed by the park. If you need pet boarding, you should arrange it in nearby communities before your visit.