trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
Northeastern Arizona.
Named for its large deposits of petrified wood, the fee area of the park covers about 230 square miles (600 square kilometers), encompassing semi-desert shrub steppe as well as highly eroded and colorful badlands. …
The site, the northern part of which extends into the Painted Desert, was declared a national monument in 1906 and a national park in 1962. About 800,000 people visit the park each year and take part in activities including sightseeing, photography, hiking, and backpacking. …
The park’s seven maintained hiking trails, some paved, vary in length from less than 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to nearly 3 miles (4.8 km). …
Hikers and backpackers may also visit the park’s wilderness areas. Free permits are required for overnight stays …
I enjoyed the 1 mile hike at Blue Mesa. Reviews.
Entry fee.
besthike.com 
The Petrified Forest looks amazing, I haven’t made it to Arizona as yet (from way from Melbourne) but would love to visit.