The Painted Desert is adjacent to the Petrified Forest National Park on the north side of Interstate 40 in Arizona. The wilderness area covers more than 40,000 acres and is home to some of the most beautiful rock formations in North America, ancient Anasazi petroglyphs and numerous fossilized tree trunks.
Campgrounds aren't available in the park area, but backcountry camping is allowed with a free permit. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area on their own, at their own pace, as long as proper rules are followed.
Obtain a backcountry pass and topographical map at the Painted Desert visitors center or the Rainbow Forest museum. The pass is free, and the ranger will ask you about your itinerary, and inform you of rules to follow while in the park.
Check your gear before hiking out into the backcountry. As a rule of thumb, you will need at least one gallon of water per day in the desert. Ensure that you have a camp stove and fuel, as fires aren't permitted in the backcountry. A working compass or GPS device along with the map are essential, especially if you plan on trekking a long way out.
Park your car at the Painted Desert Inn parking area at Kachina point, north of the Interstate, and head north into the Painted Desert wilderness. You will have to hike a minimum of one mile into the wilderness area and cross Lithodendron wash before you can camp. The wash will be shown on your map.
Tread lightly around desert vegetation and do not disturb or remove any rocks, artifacts or petrified wood that you come across. Removing these items is prohibited, and you can be fined if caught.
Use caution when traversing the terrain. The wilderness area has many steep crags and crevices that can appear out of nowhere as you hike through. Ensure that you have proper footing when traversing steep slopes.
