Newspaper Rock in Petrified Forest National Park

Part of Newspaper Rock. It turns out that all of my photos from that stop are closeups of the rock art. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — Part of Newspaper Rock. It turns out that all of my photos from that stop are closeups of the rock art.

In the middle of Petrified Forest National Park is a small viewpoint. It’s not remarkable except that it sits on the clifftop above boulders literally covered in petroglyphs and rock art. These aren’t just the normal squiggles or stick figures; there’s a wide variety of various depictions, geometric shapes, and more. While it can be hard to see because you’re so far away, if you love rock art, this is a must as you drive through the park.

Quick Stats

Round Trip Length: 400 feet Trail Type: Out & back Elevation Gain: 29ft. Pets: No Fees: $25/vehicle

The trailhead is at the low point of the large parking area. From here, a paved path slopes 200ft. down to a large-ish, circular viewpoint with a fence around it, the age of which reminds me of my childhood (that’s not a complaint, BTW – it’s nostalgic). The rock art is on several boulders at the base of the cliff.

Rock art among the boulders below the Newspaper Rock Viewpoint, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — Rock art among the boulders

There are a few scopes to help you see the rock art. However, you’d be advised to bring your own binoculars if you have a pair. I used the zoom on my camera (which is why my pictures look like you can walk right up to the artwork).

Slightly distressed rock art at Newspaper Rock, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — Slightly distressed rock art

You’re not allowed to climb down to the boulders (more’s the pity). So you’ll just have to enjoy them from up here.

Slightly more distant photo, though it's still zoomed in 227mm, Newspaper Rock, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — Slightly more distant photo, though it’s still zoomed in 110mm

I think we spent less than 10 minutes, which must be a record for us when it comes to viewpoints. But I suppose I’d promised we could eat lunch after seeing Newspaper Rock, so maybe that had something to do with the speed with which we walked back to the parking area!

Even more zoomed in (400mm and the extent of my lens) on the right side of Newspaper Rock, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — Even more zoomed-in (400mm and the extent of my lens) on the right side of Newspaper Rock

Round Trip Trail Length: 400ft.

Elevation Gain: 29ft. (5,432ft. to 5,404ft. – I expect this is a slight overstatement, but it should be close)

Facilities: None – there are primitive toilets a mile north at Puerco Pueblo

Fees: $25/vehicle, valid 7 days. America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Lands Passes and Petrified Forest Annual Passes are accepted. Note that the park does not accept cash.

The more left-ish side of Newspaper Rock, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — The more left-ish side of Newspaper Rock

Trail

Road

Signs

Scenery

Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?

Overall Rating:

A slightly separate boulder near Newspaper Rock, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — A slightly separate boulder near Newspaper Rock

GPS Coordinates for Newspaper Rock

TH: 34.9617320°, -109.7984050° (34°57.70392′, -109°47.90430′ / 34°57’42.2352″, -109°47’54.2580″) (5,428ft.) (0.0)

Viewpoint: 34.9619150°, -109.7989200° (34°57.71490′, -109°47.93520′ / 34°57’42.8940″, -109°47’56.1120″) (5,404ft.) (200ft.)

The gpx file for Newspaper Rock can be downloaded – please note that this and the GPS Coordinates are for reference only and should not be used as a sole resource when hiking this trail.

Download GPX File size: 1.5 KB Downloaded 3 times

(Note: I do my best to ensure that all downloads, the webpage, etc. are virus-free and accurate; however, I cannot be held responsible for any damage that might result, including but not limited to loss of data, damages to hardware, harm to users, from use of files, information, etc. from this website. Thanks!)

Zoomed-in on the far left side of Newspaper Rock, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — Zoomed-in on the far left side

Getting to Newspaper Rock

From the Rainbow Museum, drive north on the main park road. After 14.1 miles, the turn for Newspaper Rock will be on the left. The parking area is large. This turn is 3.7 miles north of the turnoff to the Blue Mesa Road.

From the main entrance station to Petrified Forest National Park (near the Painted Desert) take the main park road north, west, and then south 11.5 miles. Turn right into the access road for Newspaper Rock. The turn is 0.9 miles south of Puerco Pueblo.

Visual trail map and elevation profile for the short walk to the Newspaper Rock Viewpoint

More Rock Art in the SW US

Learn about the rock art and culture in the SW US in this guide. Maps are included as well as many sites you’ve probably never heard about. Buy your copy here.