Petrified Forest National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

If you’re planning a trip through Arizona and want to experience the Petrified Forest without the fuss of group tours or rigid schedules, this self-guided driving audio tour might be just what you need. Designed to be flexible, affordable, and packed with interesting stories, it offers a way to explore at your own pace, right from your car.

What really appeals to us about this tour is the freedom it provides—take your time, stop whenever something catches your eye, and enjoy the scenery at your leisure. Plus, the price—only $16.99 for a whole family or group of four—makes it a budget-friendly choice, especially considering you’ll have access to the tour content for an entire year.

That said, it’s not without its quirks. Some users mentioned minor technical issues, like the app cutting out or stories repeating, which can be a bit frustrating if you’re relying heavily on the audio. But overall, the value and depth of information seem to make this a worthwhile option for most travelers who enjoy a bit of independence and storytelling on the road.

This tour suits those who love a mix of driving, learning, and sightseeing, especially if you prefer to avoid the constraints of scheduled guided tours. It’s perfect for adventurous families, history buffs, or anyone wanting to get the most out of their visit to this unique desert landscape.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: Start whenever you want, pause, and stop as needed.
• In-depth storytelling: Over 32 stories covering the park’s highlights and history.
• Good value: One purchase works for your entire car group, with a full year of access.
• Offline maps: No signal? No problem—download and go.
• Ease of use: The app is user-friendly, with hands-free audio, making it safe and simple to follow.
• Varied stops: From Blue Mesa and Painted Desert Inn to Route 66 and petroglyphs, it covers must-see sites.

What to Expect on This Tour

Starting Point and Duration

Your adventure begins at the Painted Desert Visitor Center, where you’ll download the app and set up. The tour takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, covering over 27 miles of scenic drives. But since it’s self-paced, you can extend or shorten your visit, making it ideal for those wanting a relaxed or busy itinerary.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Blue Mesa is the first major stop, with just a 10-minute detour to the trail. We loved the way the colorful landscape of Blue Mesa greets visitors—a true visual feast. The easy 1-mile trail offers stunning views that are perfect for photos, and it’s very popular for a reason. One reviewer noted, “The views that color this easy 1-mile loop trail make it a hugely popular stop for most visitors.”

Next up is the Painted Desert Rim Trail, an accessible 1-mile hike that takes around 25 minutes. Here, you get a panoramic view of the painted badlands—an area that’s both beautiful and fascinating because of how the land formed over thousands of years. Expect to see the vibrant layers of rock, and if you’re lucky, some wildlife or interesting geology.

The Painted Desert Inn is a highlight for many—this early 1900s abandoned hotel provides a glimpse into the early days of tourism here. We loved the history and the stories shared about its role in the region’s development. The inn’s rustic charm makes it a worthwhile stop, and the stories behind it add depth to the visit.

Pintado Point is the highest overlook in the park, offering a 360-degree view of the Painted Desert badlands. The perspective here is breathtaking, and it’s a popular spot for photography and taking in the landscape. The guide explains how these colorful badlands were formed—a little geology lesson that adds context and interest.

Nizhoni, meaning “beautiful” in Navajo, is another popular stop with stunning views that seem to live up to their name. From here, you can appreciate the vastness of the desert landscape, and the stories about Navajo culture add an extra layer of appreciation.

Other Notable Stops

The tour includes visits to Route 66, an iconic piece of Americana embedded within the park, and petroglyphs carved into the rocks that tell stories from ancient cultures. One reviewer raved, “Petroglyphs were an unexpected experience,” highlighting how these features add intrigue and cultural depth.

Jasper Forest features an impressive display of petrified logs—some that look almost like jasper stone—and is a favorite among visitors for its striking appearance. The Crystal Forest offers close-up views of petrified logs, some sparkling with quartz crystals. It’s an easy 15-minute walk, and many find it one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Lastly, the Rainbow Forest Museum provides context about the park’s history and geology, rounding out the experience with educational content.

The Experience in Practice

From the reviews, it’s clear that many users find this tour enhances their experience of the park. One said, “We enjoyed all the information; it made our tour very meaningful,” while another appreciated the flexibility: “Loved all the educational information and flexibility if you wandered off to a trail.”

However, not everything is perfect. Some users experienced minor technical glitches, like the app cutting out or stories repeating—these are typical challenges with self-guided tours relying on app stability. One reviewer suggested keeping an eye on their speed to prevent audio issues, which is good advice for smooth storytelling.

In terms of value, many felt it was a great deal—not just because of the low price but because of the ability to revisit the content for a full year. That makes it especially appealing if you’re planning multiple visits or want to explore other nearby parks.

The tour’s design makes it suitable for a range of visitors—families, couples, solo explorers—who prefer to control their pace. It’s also a budget-friendly alternative to guided tours or purchasing multiple tickets.

Practical Tips

• Download the app at the visitor center while you have good signal to avoid issues later.
• Use your car’s Bluetooth or AUX to listen through your stereo for easier listening.
• Expect some stories to repeat if you backtrack—most find it manageable, but it’s worth noting.
• If you’re short on time, you can focus on your favorite stops, as the app lets you manually jump between points.
• Bring a snack or water; the stops, especially Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest, are great for quick breaks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided audio tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a flexible way to explore the Petrified Forest. It suits those who appreciate stories and context behind the scenery and prefer to avoid the constraints of scheduled guided tours.

It’s particularly good for families or groups who want to stay together and explore at their own pace without extra costs, as the price covers your whole car. If you’re someone who enjoys learning on the go—geology, history, culture—you’ll find this tour a valuable companion.

But keep in mind, if you’re expecting a completely seamless experience without technical hiccups, be prepared for the occasional glitch. The tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to see and understand one of Arizona’s most colorful landscapes.

FAQ about the Petrified Forest Self-Guided Audio Tour

Do I need a park pass to do this tour?
Yes, an entrance pass is required to visit Petrified Forest National Park, but it isn’t included with the tour. You’ll need to purchase that separately.

How do I access the tour?
After booking, you’ll receive an email and text with setup instructions and a password. Download the Actions Tour Guide App, enter the password, and then you’re ready to go once onsite.

Can I pause and restart the tour?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for flexibility. You can start, pause, and resume whenever it suits you, making it easy to take breaks or explore side trails.

Will I need cellular service during the tour?
No. The app offers offline maps and content, so you can enjoy the tour even if you lose signal.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-focused, the content’s educational nature and the flexibility to explore at your own pace make it suitable for curious travelers of all ages.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It takes approximately 2-3 hours, but you can extend or shorten your visit based on your interests and schedule.

How many stops are included?
There are more than 32 audio stories covering key sites across 27+ miles of the park.

What if I encounter technical issues?
Support is available if you face audio problems or app glitches. It’s always good to keep your app updated and follow the instructions for best performance.

Final Thoughts

For travelers looking to explore the Petrified Forest at their own pace without breaking the bank, this self-guided driving audio tour offers an engaging, flexible option. You’ll enjoy expertly narrated stories, miles of scenic views, and the freedom to stop and explore as much or as little as you like.

While it’s not perfect—some stories may repeat, and the app can occasionally glitch—the overall value and the richness of the content make it worth considering. It’s especially well-suited for those who prefer to craft their own adventure, appreciate a good story, and want to learn as they go.

If you’re eager to discover the natural wonders and historic sites of this desert landscape without rigid schedules, this tour is a smart, budget-friendly way to do it. Just remember to download everything beforehand, keep an eye on your speed, and get ready for a memorable journey through Arizona’s colorful past and spectacular scenery.