Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area Area

Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area spans over 52,500 acres of remote backcountry in Arizona, managed by the National Park Service as a federally protected Wilderness. This is primitive terrain where motorized travel, mechanized equipment, and roads are prohibited—true non-motorized backcountry requiring self-reliance and respect for Leave No Trace principles.

The area offers backpacking and hiking for visitors seeking solitude and backcountry immersion. Access is limited by the wilderness mandate; there are no facilities, maintained trails, or developed infrastructure. Visitors must be experienced in navigation, route-finding, and backcountry travel. Water and shade are scarce resources that demand careful planning.

Visit during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Summer heat is intense and winter brings cold conditions that can complicate travel. This is a place for experienced backcountry users committed to self-sufficiency and the ethics of wilderness travel—no shortcuts, no trace left behind.