Sorry I cannot help. Check on the National Parks site.

A lot was closed when we were there but we could still drive thru. Surprisingly gift shop was open but no video at VC and toilets were outside. It’s pretty self explanatory just drive the route and stop at turn outs lots of info signs. We happened on a volunteer guide at one overlook who was very helpful

Unfortunately, you will not be able to remain in the park after closing. If you are overnighting at a hotel or motel somewhere in the area, you can watch the sunset over the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest from along Route 77 between Indian Wells, AZ and Route 66/I-40 or along Route 66/I-40 which runs above a section of the park. You'll need to find a rest area or a scenic overlook, though, because I-40 is an interstate highway. Route 77 runs along the desert just outside of the Petrified Forest & Painted Desert parks.

I drove from Oklahoma and stayed overnight in Texas, then continued my drive to Snowflake, AZ where I spent the night in order to get up early to see the petrified forest and painted desert. Continued to El Maipais National Park (the arch and bluffs are not to be missed) and arrived in Albuquerque late afternoon. So yes, it is doable, but you may want to find a place to stay in Arizona as sunset is particularly lovely at the Painted Desert and a four and a half hour drive could be tiring after a long day. Enjoy! It’s spectacular!!

$20 entry fee per car.

Absolutely!! That's how we did it. We drove through the Petrified forest then through the Painted Desert while it was close to sunset. Then we went back through as we were heading back to Phoenix during the day. Stop at all the pull-offs along the way with information that a tour guide would probably share. The scenery will take your breath away depending on the time of day you go. Drive through to the Petrified Forest as well. There is a shop on both ends of the road where you enter the Painted Desert and where you exit through Petrified Forest. You can get info from the ranger stations, I think, at these locations. Gas can be bought at the Petrified Forest location-very expensive. Enjoy!

Petrified Desert has a few stop off areas where you can get out and hike and read interesting information about the formation of this desert. Take an hour hike then briefly stop as you drive through the desert. The views are unbelievable. Drive till you get to Painted desert which is equally beautiful. Depending what time of day you go, you will get a different perspective. Amazing terrain; don't skip this part of your journey.

Hi, Erica, During the winter months it may get a bit cool. The 40's-50s; however, the air is crisp and clean. We were there in August. It was warm and even a little humid. Go to the Petrified Forest weather page and investigate. Whatever month you go, it will be a sight you will never forget. Happy Trails!

Yes, that's possible. The route is only about 28 miles long, which is about a half-hour drive. But you would want to stop and get out to take photos, or go on short hikes to see things close up. And there are some short side routes off the main route. But even accounting for stops and side routes, you can see the whole thing in 5 hours.

That is relative The drive is 28 miles from north to south We took three hours because we stopped at almost every site and area... great drive with a LOT to catch your eye including the petrified forest etc. Enjoy yourself and (if at all possible) take your time... it is worth the drive