It’s easy to overlook a small national park in favor of the bigger, more famous ones, but Petrified Forest National Park proved that size has nothing to do with how memorable a place can be. Traveling full time in a fifth wheel with a toddler and a Great Dane means every stop needs to work for the whole family, and this one checked every box.
A Small Park Packed With Big Surprises
Petrified Forest National Park may not stretch on for miles, but it’s filled with things worth stopping for at every turn. From ancient petrified wood scattered across the landscape to the sweeping, colorful views at the Painted Desert, there’s a surprising amount packed into a relatively compact park.
Genuinely Dog Friendly
One of the best parts of this visit was how dog friendly the park turned out to be. Traveling with a Great Dane isn’t always easy when it comes to national parks, but this one made it simple to explore together without constantly worrying about where the dog could and couldn’t go.
Doable Even With A Toddler
The hikes here were manageable even for a 2 year old, which made the whole visit feel relaxed rather than rushed. It’s the kind of park where families don’t have to choose between seeing the highlights and keeping the little ones happy along the way.
A Stop Worth Adding To The List
Petrified Forest National Park is proof that some of the best travel memories come from the places that don’t always make it to the top of everyone’s bucket list. Small in size, but big on charm.
Have you ever visited Petrified Forest National Park?