Little Painted Desert County Park
A free, hidden gem in Arizona featuring mesmerizing, colorful badlands and unique geological formations. Perfect for sunset views and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds
Little Painted Desert County Park
Best Time
Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, hidden gem in Arizona featuring mesmerizing, colorful badlands and unique geological formations. Perfect for sunset views and photography.
"Absolutely beautiful. My photos I didn't use any filters but I did adjust the shutter speed and ISO setting."
🚗 Rough Road Ahead!
The final road can be bumpy with big potholes. Drive slow and steady! :car:
💧 Pack Your Essentials
No shade or vendors here. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Badlands
Main viewing areas
Witness a breathtaking panorama of colorful, eroded badlands, a geological marvel millions of years in the making.
Sunset Spectacle
Overlooking the desert
Experience a magical sunset painting the desert landscape in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
Unique Rock Formations
Throughout the park
Discover fascinating geological formations and even find pieces of petrified wood scattered across the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to this Hidden Gem
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rough Road Ahead!
The final road can be bumpy with big potholes. Drive slow and steady! :car:
💧 Pack Your Essentials
No shade or vendors here. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. :water_wave:
🗺️ GPS is Your Friend
Signage is minimal. Use Google Maps for accurate directions to this hidden gem. :iphone:
👟 Explore with Care
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the steep paths and varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rough Road Ahead!
The final road can be bumpy with big potholes. Drive slow and steady! :car:
💧 Pack Your Essentials
No shade or vendors here. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. :water_wave:
🗺️ GPS is Your Friend
Signage is minimal. Use Google Maps for accurate directions to this hidden gem. :iphone:
👟 Explore with Care
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the steep paths and varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Drone-Friendly Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the unique desert landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Little Painted Desert County Park as a breathtaking, free hidden gem with mesmerizing colors and unique badland formations. While the rough access road and lack of amenities require preparation, the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a highly recommended stop for those seeking natural beauty off the beaten path.
"Free adventure!! Look no further, Little Painted Desert is as beautiful as its name. Unreal!! Serene and mesmerizing hidden gem. Driving distance is approximately 25 minutes North of Winslow, off of route 66!! Best time to visit this beautiful place is during daylight. We were there mid February mid day and temperature was very comfortable. No coats required. Definitely use google map for directions. Not a whole lot of signs to guide you to the location and when you turn onto the hidden side road. The short distance to the little painted desert is rough with Lots and BIG pot holes.. Drive slow. Not too many rails and you can park the car right up to the cliff.
The depth perception in the pictures does not do its justice. Do not let the hills fool you into thinking is a small area.. if you dare to walk on the historic ground, you are a little ant on the smallest bump of the hill!! Be careful climbing up and down the steep path. But you will not be disappointed if you do explore. There are no shades and not a lot of visitors and no vendors to sell food or drinks.. Be sure to pack some liquid, food and snacks. We explored the diffent sizes of the hills and found interesting objects.. apart from the different colours of gravel, we also found petrified wood!! They were heavy!! We took our time to explore the area and zero worries of other people being in the background of our picture as we were the only couple there!! Time spent there various depending how much you want to learn and explore. The 2 hours spent there flew by for us. Overall, amazing and interesting place!! Love it."
P P
"Absolutely beautiful. We stopped on our drive from Roswell going to Las Vegas and it was definitely worth it. Cloudy when we got there but the colors are still amazing and vibrant. My photos I didn't use any filters but I did adjust the shutter speed and ISO setting"
T B
"Don't miss this outstanding area. Words can't describe what is expecting you. I've seen so many bandlands during the last couple of years but this is by far the most spectacular scenery I've ever seen."
Walter R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Painted Desert County Park is located about 25 minutes north of Winslow, Arizona, off Route 66. While there are few signs, using GPS or Google Maps is highly recommended for navigation. The final stretch of the road can be rough with large potholes, so drive slowly and cautiously.
The main road to the park is generally paved, but the final approach to the viewing areas can be a rough dirt road with significant potholes. It's advisable to drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings.
Many visitors recommend using Google Maps for precise directions, as signage is scarce. Be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride on the unmaintained sections of the road.
Yes, you can park your car very close to the cliff edge in many areas, allowing for easy access to the viewpoints.
Yes, Little Painted Desert County Park is situated approximately 25 minutes north of Winslow, Arizona, making it a convenient stop for those traveling through the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Little Painted Desert County Park is a free attraction. You can explore its unique landscapes without any admission cost.
The park is accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there is ample natural light to appreciate the vibrant colors and formations.
Tickets are not required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
The primary restriction is to visit during daylight for safety and to best appreciate the scenery. There are no official closing times posted, but it's a natural area.
While not officially prohibited, visiting at night is not recommended due to the lack of lighting, rough terrain, and potential safety hazards. Daylight hours are ideal for exploration.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The park offers incredible photo opportunities with its vibrant badlands, colorful rock formations, and expansive desert vistas. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Yes, drone flying is permitted and offers unique aerial perspectives of the unique landscape.
While the colors are naturally vibrant, some visitors have adjusted camera settings like shutter speed and ISO for optimal shots. Filters are generally not necessary to capture the beauty.
Some visitors find the views at Little Painted Desert County Park to be even more spectacular and less crowded than the official Painted Desert within Petrified Forest National Park.
The vibrant colors are due to the geological makeup of the area, with river-related deposits from approximately 200 million years ago creating pigmented rock layers.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The terrain consists of colorful badlands, hills, and steep paths. It's a natural, undeveloped area, so be prepared for uneven ground and potential climbing.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms, shade structures, or vendors at Little Painted Desert County Park. Visitors must bring all their own supplies.
While exploring the unique landscape is encouraged, visitors should exercise caution due to steep paths and the delicate nature of the formations. Avoid damaging the environment.
The time spent can vary greatly depending on your interest in exploring. Many visitors find that 2 hours is a good amount of time to explore the different hills and discover interesting geological features.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the terrain. Lightweight clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months, as there is no shade.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food vendors or dining facilities available at the park. It is essential to bring your own food and drinks.
The nearest dining options would be in Winslow, Arizona, which is about a 25-minute drive away. Winslow offers various restaurants and cafes.
Yes, packing a picnic is highly recommended as there are no food services available. It's a great way to enjoy a meal amidst the stunning scenery.
Easy-to-eat snacks and meals that don't require refrigeration are ideal, given the lack of facilities. Think sandwiches, fruits, and trail mix.
You'll need to purchase food and drinks before heading to the park, as the closest options are in Winslow.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for little feet navigating the terrain. The drive to the park can be a bit bumpy, so keep that in mind for younger children. The opportunity to find petrified wood can be a particularly exciting treasure hunt for kids.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the area. Remember to bring all your provisions, as amenities are non-existent. The drive itself, though potentially rough, is part of the charm, leading you to a less-visited natural wonder.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
Drone enthusiasts will find this location offers incredible aerial views of the badlands, showcasing the intricate patterns and vastness of the landscape. The open space and minimal restrictions make it an excellent spot for aerial photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Wonders of the Little Painted Desert
Visitors have reported finding not only the distinctively colored gravel but also pieces of petrified wood scattered throughout the area. This suggests a rich paleontological history, with remnants of ancient forests preserved within the sedimentary layers. The sheer scale of the formations can be deceptive; what appears as small hills from a distance can be vast, intricate landscapes up close, making exploration a truly immersive experience.
Unlike its more famous namesake, the Little Painted Desert offers a more intimate and less crowded encounter with these geological marvels. The lack of extensive infrastructure allows visitors to feel a deeper connection to the raw, natural beauty of the area. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the slow, powerful forces that have shaped our planet.
Capturing the Colors: Photography Tips
While the colors are naturally stunning, some visitors have found success by adjusting camera settings like shutter speed and ISO to enhance the vibrancy in their photos. Using a drone can provide breathtaking aerial perspectives of the vast badlands, showcasing the intricate patterns and scale of the formations.
Remember that depth perception can be tricky in this expansive landscape. Take your time to frame your shots and consider including elements that provide a sense of scale, such as a person walking or a vehicle. The lack of crowds means you'll often have the entire vista to yourself, allowing for unhurried composition and the capture of truly unique images.
Navigating the Rough Roads
While the main route might be paved, the unmaintained sections demand attention. It's recommended to use GPS or Google Maps for navigation, as official signage is minimal. This ensures you don't miss the turn-off and can find your way to this hidden gem.
For those concerned about the road conditions, a vehicle with higher clearance might offer more peace of mind. However, many visitors with standard cars have successfully navigated the roads by driving slowly and carefully. The reward of reaching this spectacular, free-to-access location is well worth the minor challenge of the drive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit