Signing Up
Complete the registration form and liability waiver and return the information to us via phone, fax, mail, or email. Courses are limited to 8-12 participants and fill up quickly. Become a member of Petrified Forest Museum Association (PFMA) at enrollment to receive a discount on course fees as well as in the park stores.
Course Information Packet
When you sign up for a field course, you will receive a course itinerary, area maps, and a list of local accommodations provided by the area Chamber of Commerce. Class forms can be downloaded below or mailed by request.
Class Forms
Student Waiver Form (PDF – 40 kb)
Emergency Contact Information Form (PDF – 25 kb)
Park Fees
Class registration fees do not include Petrified Forest National Park entrance fees. The cost for one private vehicle and the people within is $25 and is good for 7 days. If you already have or purchase an annual America the Beautiful pass, you’ll have free entrance into more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for an entire year. There are other passes available, such as:
- U.S. Military Pass – free, must be obtained in advance
- Annual 4th Grade Pass – available to U.S. 4th graders (including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age). Must obtain in advance)
- Senior Pass – $80 lifetime pass / $20 annual for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over
- Access Pass – free for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities
- Volunteer Pass – free for volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.
For more information on the passes above, visit NPS’ America the Beautiful Passes page. For Petrified Forest’s fees, visit their Basic Information page.
Cancellation Policy
For multi-day and overnight courses you must notify us 30 days before the start of a class to receive a full refund. Half of the course fees will be refunded for cancellation up to 14 days prior to a course and no amount will be refunded within 14 days of the course.
For courses that do not include overnight camping, a full refund will be issued if canceled 14 days prior to the start of the course. No exceptions can be made to this policy. If we cancel a class you will receive a full refund. It is recommended to purchase trip insurance through your local travel agency.
Course Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather
Due to the potential for flash flooding and the slippery nature of soil with high clay content, courses may be canceled in the event of wet weather. If we cancel a class you will receive a full refund.
Food and Transportation
Food and transportation may be provided during the course of some field seminars. Please refer to the course description for specific meeting instructions and whether or not a boxed lunch will be provided. We encourage participants to bring their own snacks and plenty of water (at least a liter or more per person).
Age Limits
The physical demand and academic nature of some courses determine the age limits. Paleontology and archaeology field courses cannot accept children younger than 12. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Class fees are required for both the child and the adult. Refer to course descriptions for limitations.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on field seminars.
Safety
Participants must assume full responsibility for their own safety and provide their own health and accident insurance. Every effort will be made to avoid and prevent mishaps. The liability waiver must be signed to participate.
Physical Requirements
Walking and hiking at elevations above 5,000 feet require participants to be in good physical condition. Day hikes will range from two to five miles, and some may exceed eight miles. Please refer to course descriptions and keep in mind your own physical fitness and experience level.
Experience and Equipment
Experience and equipment requirements are determined by the various courses offered. Please refer to the course descriptions. For some activities, such as the paleontology fossil digs, tools will be provided. For a photography course, it is expected that participants have a basic knowledge of and supply their own cameras or filming equipment, tripods, etc., and assume all risks. Courses are offered for varying skill levels.
Weather and Elevation
The average elevation is 5800 ft. High desert weather can be highly unpredictable, particularly during the summer monsoon season. There is little to no shade and temperatures can elevate to nearly 100 degrees during the day and drop to the mid-40s and 50s at night.
Monsoon storms with lightning can approach fast and cause flash flooding conditions, even when the immediate area is not receiving any precipitation. Sunscreen, hats and plenty of water are recommended year-round. The high desert of the Southwest can be a challenge for those unused to the unique environment and conditions.
Be Prepared
The high elevation, dry heat, and no shade can quickly take their toll. Please be prepared with sunscreen, hats, sturdy closed-toe shoes, insect repellant, and at least a liter of water or more per person.
General Park Information
- Website: www.nps.gov/pefo for general information
- Radio AM 1610 for Current Events and Notices
Contact Information
Petrified Forest Museum Association
Contact Form
PO Box 2277
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028
Phone: (928) 524-6228 ext 239
FAX: (928) 524-1509