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Petrified Forest · July

Petrified Forest in July

July is a busy time to visit Petrified Forest — quieter than June, busier than August.

Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 92°F, and about 14.3 hours of daylight.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

8/10
Busy

Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.

About 78% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical July visits vs. the year

July (typical)46,717
Peak — June59,891
Quietest — February19,191

July draws about 10% of Petrified Forest’s yearly visitors.

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

July weather

Avg high
92°F
Avg low
60°F
Precipitation
1.4"
Sunrise
5:16 AM
Sunset
7:33 PM
Daylight
14.3h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US

What's open

Petrified Forest in July: access

Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Information

    Park Headquarters Phones are Down

    Phones at park headquarters are currently down. Please call the visitor center at Painted Desert Inn 928-235-2467 or the Visitor Services office 928-235-2391 between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also send us an email at pefo_information@nps.gov.

  • Information

    The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!

    The Painted Desert Oasis gift shop, gas station and restaurant located at the north entrance of the park are open, and restrooms are available during construction. Visitor center operations are currently located at the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Petrified Forest crowds across the year

January: 4/10 crowdJanFebruary: 4/10 crowdFebMarch: 8/10 crowdMarApril: 8/10 crowdAprMay: 10/10 crowdMayJune: 10/10 crowdJunJuly: 8/10 crowd8JulAugust: 7/10 crowdAugSeptember: 7/10 crowdSepOctober: 7/10 crowdOctNovember: 5/10 crowdNovDecember: 6/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in July

FAQ

Petrified Forest in July

How busy is Petrified Forest in July?

July rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Petrified Forest National Park — about 78% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 46,717.

What is the weather like at Petrified Forest in July?

In July, Petrified Forest averages a high of 92°F and a low of 60°F, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation.

How much does it cost to visit Petrified Forest?

Entrance to Petrified Forest costs $25 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days.).

When is Petrified Forest least crowded?

Petrified Forest is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.

How many hours of daylight does Petrified Forest get in July?

In mid-July, Petrified Forest gets about 14.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:16 AM and sunset around 7:33 PM.