Painted Desert Inn
Historic adobe inn turned museum, offering stunning Painted Desert views and a taste of Route 66 nostalgia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Painted Desert Inn
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic adobe inn turned museum, offering stunning Painted Desert views and a taste of Route 66 nostalgia.
"A highlight of our visit—not just for the views, but for the incredibly kind service we received."
⏳ Check Ice Cream Hours
The ice cream parlor is seasonal and has specific hours. Don't miss out!
🖼️ Look Up in the Gift Shop
The gift shop ceiling features stunning glass panels with native designs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Adobe Facade & Architecture
Exterior of the Inn
Admire the historic Pueblo Revival-style adobe structure, a testament to 1930s renovation.
Hopi Murals
Interior Museum
Discover stunning, vibrant murals created by Hopi artists, depicting local life and culture.
Painted Desert Views
Patio and Overlooks
Soak in breathtaking panoramic vistas of the colorful Painted Desert from the inn's shaded patio.
Seasonal Ice Cream Parlor
Interior Cafe
Cool down with a treat at the seasonal ice cream parlor, a welcome respite on a hot day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
A Historic Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Check Ice Cream Hours
The ice cream parlor is seasonal and has specific hours. Don't miss out!
🖼️ Look Up in the Gift Shop
The gift shop ceiling features stunning glass panels with native designs.
☀️ Escape the Sun
The inn is a perfect, clean, and cool place to take a break from the desert sun.
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to access this historic stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Check Ice Cream Hours
The ice cream parlor is seasonal and has specific hours. Don't miss out!
🖼️ Look Up in the Gift Shop
The gift shop ceiling features stunning glass panels with native designs.
☀️ Escape the Sun
The inn is a perfect, clean, and cool place to take a break from the desert sun.
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to access this historic stop.
🗺️ Grab a Park Map
Pick up a map at the visitor center to plan your stops along the 28-mile park drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Painted Desert Inn as a highlight of their visit to Petrified Forest National Park, appreciating its historical significance, stunning desert views, and the welcoming atmosphere. The kind service, especially at the ice cream parlor, and the unique architectural details like the Hopi murals and gift shop ceiling are frequently mentioned positives. Some visitors note the seasonal nature of the ice cream and the potential for high temperatures in the area.
"Great stopping point in the planted desert / petrified forest.
The in has art, history, maps, small Cafe, gift shop, and paths to beautiful vista's.
It is very clean, well staffed and beautifully kept. Good as a cool place to stop to get out of the sun for a break.
Plenty of parking, and photogenic views all the way around.
Don't miss looking up in the gift shop.
The ceiling is glass panels of native designs. Stunning."
Steve
"The Painted Desert Inn was a highlight of our visit—not just for the views, but for the incredibly kind service we received. We arrived just after the 3 PM ice cream cutoff, but the gentleman working there was so generous and still served our whole family. It made our day, especially in the heat!
The views from the inn are absolutely stunning, with sweeping panoramas of the Painted Desert that you can enjoy right from the shaded patio. While we didn’t end up doing the nearby trail due to the high temperatures, the stop was still well worth it for the scenery, hospitality, and chance to cool down with a treat."
BradandJen McCleary
"Serve as visitor center right now, it's construction style and rock red color will deeply impress you, especially at sunset."
Jun Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Painted Desert Inn is located within Petrified Forest National Park. You can access it via the northern entrance near the Painted Desert Visitor Center off I-40, or from the southern entrance off Route 180. The park road is a scenic 28-mile drive.
Absolutely! Visitors rave about Petrified Forest National Park as an underrated gem with stunning scenery and unique geological formations. The Painted Desert Inn is a definite highlight.
Yes, many visitors find that a partial or full day is sufficient to see the main attractions, including the Painted Desert Inn and other key spots like Blue Mesa Trail and Crystal Forest.
Driving the main park road and stopping at various viewpoints and short trails is the most popular way to explore. Grab a map from the visitor center to plan your route.
Yes, the Painted Desert Inn was a historic oasis for weary Route 66 travelers, offering a place to rest and refresh.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Painted Desert Inn is located within Petrified Forest National Park, which requires an entrance fee. However, once inside the park, visiting the inn itself is free.
The Painted Desert Inn operates as a museum and has seasonal hours. It's best to check the official Petrified Forest National Park website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation, especially for the ice cream parlor.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Petrified Forest National Park. Fees are typically per vehicle and valid for seven days. Check the NPS website for current pricing.
The Painted Desert Inn is a historic museum and does not take reservations for entry. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis during its open hours.
Petrified Forest National Park may offer discounts for certain passes, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, or for seniors and military personnel. Check the NPS website for details.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior adobe architecture, the Hopi murals inside, and the sweeping views of the Painted Desert from the patio are all fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget the unique ceiling in the gift shop!
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and any posted signage.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for the Painted Desert, casting beautiful colors across the landscape. The inn itself is also striking at sunset.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the park's specific regulations regarding drones before flying.
A camera with good dynamic range is helpful to capture the subtle color variations in the desert. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive landscapes, and a standard lens works well for interior shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a seasonal ice cream parlor at the Painted Desert Inn that serves treats. It's a popular spot for visitors to cool down.
Besides the ice cream parlor at the Painted Desert Inn, dining options within the park are limited. It's recommended to pack your own snacks and drinks, or plan to eat before or after your visit.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages into Petrified Forest National Park. There are picnic areas available.
The nearest towns with significant dining options are Holbrook and Winslow, which are a short drive from the park entrances.
While specific flavors can vary, the ice cream parlor is known for offering a refreshing selection of ice cream, perfect for a hot desert day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the inn, Petrified Forest National Park offers other family-friendly activities like short, easy trails and fascinating petrified wood displays. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert can get very hot. The ample parking at the inn also makes it easy for families to access.
🚗 Road Trippers & Route 66 Enthusiasts
Its location within Petrified Forest National Park makes it a perfect addition to any Arizona road trip itinerary. The photogenic adobe architecture and the stunning desert views provide excellent photo opportunities, making it a memorable highlight of any journey through the Southwest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Storied Past: The Painted Desert Inn's History
In the 1930s, the inn underwent a significant renovation, transforming into the Pueblo Revival-style adobe structure that visitors see today. This renovation not only modernized the building but also incorporated stunning Hopi murals by artist Fred Kabotie and his students, adding a significant cultural dimension to the inn. Today, the inn functions primarily as a museum, offering a tangible connection to the past and a chance to appreciate the artistry and history of the region.
Visitors often express delight in the inn's preservation and its role as a visitor center. The generous hospitality experienced by some, even outside of official hours, highlights the enduring spirit of the place. It stands as a beautiful reminder of the travelers who once sought refuge and refreshment here, surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Painted Desert.
Experiencing the Painted Desert Views
While the inn itself is a focal point, it also serves as a gateway to exploring the broader Painted Desert region within Petrified Forest National Park. Nearby trails, though sometimes challenging in the heat, offer opportunities for closer exploration of this unique geological wonderland. Even without venturing onto the trails, the views from the inn provide a profound appreciation for the desert's artistry.
Many visitors find the inn to be a perfect spot to escape the sun and simply soak in the scenery. The combination of the historic architecture and the dramatic natural beauty makes it a memorable stop for photographers and nature lovers alike. The sheer scale and color palette of the Painted Desert are consistently highlighted as a major draw.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit