Fly & Drive guide
Fly into GUP, drive to Petrified Forest National Park
Your route
GUP
Gallup Municipal Airport
Petrified Forest National Park
About 1 h 21 min · 70 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to GUP
Compare fares into Gallup Municipal Airport.
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02Car at GUP
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Petrified Forest National Park. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
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04 · First night near Petrified Forest National Park
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Petrified Forest National Park
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Petrified Forest National Park
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Day-Use Access and Wilderness Backcountry Permitting
Petrified Forest is a day-use park and does not currently require timed-entry reservations for the main scenic drive. However, those wishing to stay overnight in the backcountry must obtain a free wilderness permit in person on the day of their hike. Check the official NPS site for changing gate hours as the park closes overnight.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Petrified Forest National Park?
Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from GUP to Petrified Forest National Park?
Roughly 1 h 21 min (about 70 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest is a day-use park and does not currently require timed-entry reservations for the main scenic drive. However, those wishing to stay overnight in the backcountry must obtain a free wilderness permit in person on the day of their hike. Check the official NPS site for changing gate hours as the park closes overnight.