Petrified Forest: Where to Find Visitor Services During Painted Desert Construction

If you're planning a visit to Petrified Forest, expect to find visitor services at a different location when you arrive. The Painted Desert Visitor Center is currently closed for renovations. As you plan your visit, keep in mind that the building is under construction, but other services remain available.

For park information and assistance, head to the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station. Visitor center operations have moved there during construction. If you'd planned to start at the visitor center, adjust your first stop to account for the move. Painted Desert Inn is the name to remember for this stop.

As for timing, the visitor center is expected to reopen in June 2027. We recommend treating that timeline as an estimate when planning your trip. It isn't a firm reopening date. If you're visiting during construction, plan to stop at the Painted Desert Inn for visitor services.

Construction doesn't mean you'll lose access to all the services at this stop, though. The restrooms remain open during construction. The restaurant is still operating, too. The gift shop remains open. You can also count on the gas station, which continues to operate. You may need to change where you stop for visitor information, but you can still grab a meal or fill up your tank.

To plan your route, see our guide to Petrified Forest National Park. We recommend adding the Painted Desert Inn to your trip notes if you want to stop for visitor information. That way, you'll have the right location in mind when you pass the entrance station.