Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area: North Unit

Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area: North Unit

NPS Photo/Stuart Holmes

Quick Facts

Location:

North unit is located at the north end of the park.

Significance:

Designated wilderness

Designation:

Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area October 23, 1970

Amenities

3 listed

Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area was designated on October 23, 1970. There are two units, one in the south and one in the north, both comprising 50,260 acres—most in the red part of the Painted Desert. As a designated wilderness area, there are no roads, trails, motorized vehicles, or other human facilities so that the resources of the park shine. Overnight camping is allowed with a free permit that can be obtained in person at the visitor centers. Day hiking doesn’t need a permit except in the Devils Playground area. The north unit of the wilderness features such sites as Onyx Bridge (collapsed in 2020), Black Forest, Lithodendron Wash, Devils Playground, and Angels Garden. Access for overnight use is limited to Kachina Point and Mile Marker 24.