Annual Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass - $80 
The Annual Pass replaces the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle Passport. It is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

Senior Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass - $10
The Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.
The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. 

Access Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass - Free
This pass replaces the Golden Access Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.  
The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

Volunteer Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Volunteer Pass - Free  
This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. Find out more about volunteer opportunities in Petrified Forest National Park.

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Here are some additional information sources:

• Recreation opportunities within any federal land area: www.Recreation.gov
• Frequently asked questions about the new pass: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html

Commercial Fees 
If you are conducting an income generating tour of the park, you are subject to commercial tour fees. The fee amount varies by vehicle size.
Large tour bus with capacity of 26 or more: $150 (for 7 days)
Small bus with capacity of 16-25: $60 (for 7 days)
Van with capacity of 7-15: $50 (for 7 days)
Passenger vehicle with capacity of 1-6: $25 (for 7 days)

A commercial tour consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Falling within this definition are tours which require the use of a vehicle: bus, van, or sedan as the primary means of transport during the road-based tour. The tour operator is using National Park Service roads as the primary means of accomplishing the tour.

A 20-minute orientation film, Timeless Impressions, is shown every half hour at the Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum. Please let staff know when you arrive if your tour group will view the film and at what time.

Concession operated gift and food services are available at both the north and south ends of the park. Groups interested in special meal rates should contact the Fred Harvey Company at (928) 524-3756 or write to:
Fred Harvey Company
PO Box 2247
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028

WARNING. Removal of petrified wood or any natural or cultural object is strictly prohibited and punishable by federal law. Make sure all passengers are aware of park regulations and that they follow resource protection and safety guidelines. The tour guides may be held responsible for the actions of their clients.

Noncommercial Fees
Organized, noncommercial groups are charged $5/person. Excluded from the per person charge are a driver, a guide, anyone 15 years and under, and passengers who have any of the above mentioned federal passes.

Educational Fee Waivers
School groups may apply for an Educational Fee Waiver several weeks before a visit. Without this application, school groups will be considered a noncommercial group and charged fees accordingly.

• K-12 Educational Fee Waivers (PDF, 266KB, or WORD, 54.5KB)
• College level Educational Fee Waiver Application and Instructions (PDF, 111KB)
• Recreation Fee Waiver Regulations 

Contact us for information regarding educational fee waivers.
Contact us for information regarding ranger-led programs designed for educational groups.

Backcountry Permits
Permits are required for overnight trips into the Wilderness Area. Permits are FREE and must be acquired in person at either the Painted Desert Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn, or Rainbow Forest Museum, no later than 1 hour before the park closes.

Special Use Permits
Professional Photography/Filming Permits are issued for photography, filming, and associated sound recording to ensure protection of resources, to prevent significant disruption of normal visitor uses, or when they involve props, models, professional crews and casts or set dressings. Permits are required for after-hours access and to access areas normally closed to the visiting public.

• NPS Form 10-931: Photography/Filming Special Use Permit Application - Small Group (crew of less than 10)
• NPS Form 10-932: Photography/Filming Special Use Permit Application - Large Group (crew of 10 or more)
• For activities other than photography and filming, a more general Special Use Permit (NPS Form 10-930) is required. Fees vary by the activity requested.

For more information about special use permits or other fee questions, please contact us.