Petrified National Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
4.5
33 Ratings
Petrified Forest National Park
Embark on a self-guided driving tour of Petrified Forest National Park and uncover the timeless beauty of this ancient landscape. Explore trails, discover geological wonders, and learn about the park's history and fossils.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Painted Desert Visitor Center - Our tour begins at the Painted Desert Visitor Center at 1 Park Rd. If you’re not there already, you should head there now.
What's Included
  • Hands-free GPS stories
  • Comprehensive itinerary and travel tips
  • Offline access to maps and narrations
  • Private, self-paced car tour
  • Mobile app for easy tour guidance
  • No expiration date, use any time
  • One-time purchase for the whole car
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Embark on a self-led exploration of the eternal grandeur of Petrified Forest National Park. Traverse a primordial terrain where erstwhile verdant woodlands have metamorphosed into stone and the eye can roam freely across kaleidoscopic desert horizons. Traverse paths that meander through the park, unveiling a realm permanently caught in a bygone era, replete with geological curiosities. Delve into the chronicles of this unparalleled terrain, housing ancient lifeforms, primitive human settlers, and absorbing fossils.

Buy one tour for each vehicle, not for each individual. The expedition is a communal one!

Upon booking confirmation, remember to check your inbox before downloading the Action Tour Guide App. Input your distinct password to unlock your tour. The aforementioned steps demand stable internet connection. From then on, simply follow the audio guidelines and the specified route.

This isn’t an admission pass. Verify the operating hours before planning your visit.

No expiry date — The tour membership is valid for a lifetime!

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
  • How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action’s Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Painted Desert Visitor Center
Park Road
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(33 Ratings)
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Natbied
Jun 21, 2024
Great content and info! - Such good audio throughout the park. Great info and tons of content. Good for kids and adults! Highly recommend for Painted National Park visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paula_c
Jun 2, 2024
Beautiful National Park - Blue Mesa was amazing! Petroglyphs were an unexpected experience. Audio tour was a great guide though the Park.
Review provided by Viator
Jeffandmelonthebeach
May 12, 2024
Family fun and adventure - We enjoyed all the beautiful landscape and learning about the history of the petrified forest. It’s very large and has lots of stops and trail options. Restrooms are available in several places. The gift shop has friendly staff and cute gift items at the end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rita_g
May 2, 2024
Highly recommend this! - Very helpful and informative. We stopped places we would not have if it weren’t for the guide! Places that don’t appear to be of interest respectfully are!
Review provided by Viator
P2851ksgeorgec
Apr 19, 2024
Amazing! Audio tour is worth it - Absolutely stunning. Neither words nor photos can do it justice. We purchased the audio tour and it really enhanced to our experience. We would recommend that for everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steviegjd
Apr 7, 2024
Great recorded tour - We really loved this recorded tour for the Petrified Forest National Park. The GPS integrates wonderfully with the stories and information. We could not have been happier.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J9027iqjessicar
Apr 4, 2024
First time- Will be doing again - This was my first time trying a self-guided audio tour, and I loved it! Especially traveling alone and looking for a non-social outdoor activity, I would highly recommend it. Great information that you would miss otherwise, planned out accordingly, and just overall a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pam
Apr 2, 2024
A must see National Park! - Beautiful park to visit. Very diverse. Lots of easy walkways to experience the beauty. Visitor center and gift shops at the beginning and end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chesterk682
Jun 6, 2024
Petrified forest - The petrified forest was nice and very interesting Tomasz was very knowledgeable about the history how the rocks was created
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynnss916em
Jun 2, 2024
Enjoy the scenery - Good information but not the best driving tour we have ever had. Information would start and then restart again. Still enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 4 guests
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July 2024
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