Little Painted Desert Scenic View
Little Painted Desert Scenic View
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
While the view here is stunningly beautiful, this scenic view pull off is on private land. Formerly a County Park, since 2002 this land has been designated grazing land on the Navajo Nation. Please be respectful. Since no one actively maintains this site, visitors can contribute greatly to its beauty by hauling out trash a little at a time. If you read this before visiting, maybe bring a trash bag. Spread the word. Thank you for your help.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
146 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
49
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
3
William M
Milton Keynes, UK349 contributions
Sep 2019
This really is a hidden gem, most people driving along this road (In either direction) would not know that they are a few yards from this spectacular view.
We were given directions by a friend who is a member of the Hopi Nation. This part of the Painted Desert belongs to the Hopi Nation and is therefore sacred land.
The entrance to the overlook is approximately 17.0 Miles from the Best Western Winslow Hotel, 12.0 Miles from the entrance to Homolovi State Park on US 87. As you are driving along US 87 you will see a radio mast on the Left-Hand side, there is an entrance to a building here, the entrance to the Little Painted Desert Overlook is approximately 0.8 Miles past this entrance. The sign post for the overlook is in a very poor condition, in fact the whole area has been neglected for some time. The roadway from US 87 to the overlook is also in very poor condition, with lots of deep potholes (So Please Take Care) and look after the tires and suspension on your vehicle.
There used to be restrooms here, but they have also been abandoned, vandalized and boarded up. In fact, the area has a lot of graffiti and litter. Which is a real shame because the view is spectacular.
Despite the condition of the area, it would be good to spend some time here, the colours of the various parts of the desert change as the sunlight strikes the minerals from a different angle. It is especially beautiful in the very early morning and later as the sun sets. This would also be a good location for viewing the night sky, there is not as much light pollution as you would expect, being so close to Winslow
We spent some time there after dark and easily spotted various satellites and a couple of meteorites over the desert.
I have given this location 4 Stars instead of 5, due to the amount of litter and the poor condition of the access road.
We were given directions by a friend who is a member of the Hopi Nation. This part of the Painted Desert belongs to the Hopi Nation and is therefore sacred land.
The entrance to the overlook is approximately 17.0 Miles from the Best Western Winslow Hotel, 12.0 Miles from the entrance to Homolovi State Park on US 87. As you are driving along US 87 you will see a radio mast on the Left-Hand side, there is an entrance to a building here, the entrance to the Little Painted Desert Overlook is approximately 0.8 Miles past this entrance. The sign post for the overlook is in a very poor condition, in fact the whole area has been neglected for some time. The roadway from US 87 to the overlook is also in very poor condition, with lots of deep potholes (So Please Take Care) and look after the tires and suspension on your vehicle.
There used to be restrooms here, but they have also been abandoned, vandalized and boarded up. In fact, the area has a lot of graffiti and litter. Which is a real shame because the view is spectacular.
Despite the condition of the area, it would be good to spend some time here, the colours of the various parts of the desert change as the sunlight strikes the minerals from a different angle. It is especially beautiful in the very early morning and later as the sun sets. This would also be a good location for viewing the night sky, there is not as much light pollution as you would expect, being so close to Winslow
We spent some time there after dark and easily spotted various satellites and a couple of meteorites over the desert.
I have given this location 4 Stars instead of 5, due to the amount of litter and the poor condition of the access road.
Written June 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
franktraveller
Los Angeles, CA43 contributions
Sep 2021
Not as famous as its bigger nearby cousin, this little Painted Desert park gives a lot of bang for the buck at Sunset. We were the only ones there for a while and enjoyed the changing colors and the infinite variety of light while wandering around. Also great when a mom and her little daughter showed up to enjoy it with us. Well worth the 20 minute drive off the freeway.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sondra W
Manhattan Beach, CA608 contributions
Nov 2020
If you are staying in Winslow, this is the perfect side trip to go watch the sunset. It is amazing. The colors across the buttes and the mesa's with the sun hitting them just so, creates a beautiful painted desert. The colors of red, purple, white, yellow, orange, pink, etc are streaked across the desert as if someone took a paint brush.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TucsonTraveller2
Tucson, AZ2,604 contributions
Apr 2021
Beautiful vistas of desert. The road is rough and poorly maintained when you turn into park for about 1/4 to edge. You'll see 2 picnic areas to see Little Painted Desert, but if you head North(right) another 1/4 mile, there is better perspective of area. Use GPS to get to the Entrance which had maker but sign is missing. The vistas are probably beautiful at sunset, we were there in late afternoon. There are no restroom facilities.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura L
Hudson, NH1,265 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Drove the desolate drive out here from Winslow after dinner to see the sunset at 7pm.
The place was once a park, clearly, because there are a couple covered picnic tables.
We knew what to expect based on other reviews, so yeah. The sunset was cool, and the mini painted desert was very similar to the actual Painted Desert at the national park.
We saw, we conquered, we drove back. Haha
The place was once a park, clearly, because there are a couple covered picnic tables.
We knew what to expect based on other reviews, so yeah. The sunset was cool, and the mini painted desert was very similar to the actual Painted Desert at the national park.
We saw, we conquered, we drove back. Haha
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wannago2015
Venice, FL261 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The location of this park is EXACTLY as described in other reviews. The parking is almost in view from the main road, not down a scary impassable road. There were two or three potholes in the road which we easily avoided in a rented Malibu. The bathrooms are boarded up but it’s not creepy although I would not go there at night. The views are phenomenal! We walked around the rim and into the formations for about an hour. We were the only ones there the entire time. If anywhere nearby, go see it and then stop in Winslow.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan1701
Indianapolis, IN41 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is a beautiful County park just north of Winslow.
If you don’t have time to traverse the Painted Desert/Petrified National Park, this will give you a brief taste of what you would see.
Unfortunately this County Park: the Little Painted Desert is quite neglected. The sign indicating the entrance is painted over with graffiti and we almost missed it (fortunately our gps announced our arrival. The trail around the rim is unpaved which is why we did not venture further. We parked and walked a short distance around the main “parking” area. The views were wonderful. Also there is no admission charge to enter the Little Painted Desert park.
It would be nice if the County/state actually maintained this little gem of a park. It’s worth the drive north if you’re in the Winslow area.
If you don’t have time to traverse the Painted Desert/Petrified National Park, this will give you a brief taste of what you would see.
Unfortunately this County Park: the Little Painted Desert is quite neglected. The sign indicating the entrance is painted over with graffiti and we almost missed it (fortunately our gps announced our arrival. The trail around the rim is unpaved which is why we did not venture further. We parked and walked a short distance around the main “parking” area. The views were wonderful. Also there is no admission charge to enter the Little Painted Desert park.
It would be nice if the County/state actually maintained this little gem of a park. It’s worth the drive north if you’re in the Winslow area.
Written June 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlaiseAcrossAmerica
Jupiter, FL5 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I expected the worst after reading some of the other comments here and Google reviews. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the "potholes" were not bad and the distance from the main road to the parking area was much less than a mile. The GPS took us right to the spot (though there is indeed no sign) and there was no one else around so we had plenty of time to enjoy the views. It was quite windy, though, so we didn't stay too long and continued on our 8th annual Blaise Across America (dot com) road trip.
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelers Voice
Conroe, TX2,318 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
I might go as far to say this is even better than Painted Desert. The place was empty and deserted...a county park that appears to have been abandon. It is definitely off the beaten path and you will miss the entrance if you don’t look carefully for it. The roads used to be paved leading you right up to and along the rim. Easily accessible by and normal sedan, SUV or pickup. Be prepared to be amazed at the incredible views. We were the sole people there...spent about an hour taking it all in.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nuggithed
San Jose42 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Incredible views of the painted desert. A close second to the colors in the close by National Park. An easy drive from Winslow or Holbrook. The drawback is the park is not well marked, and is not well maintained. Graffiti is everywhere, as well as garbage and bottles of questionable liquid. Worth the hour it takes to get there and see everything, just needs some TLC.
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I really don't think it's a problem as long as they are on a leash and you pick up after them. This doesn't seem to be a busy park, but the views are worth the stop!
Written August 12, 2019
Can you boondocks camp in an rv at the park or nearby?
Thank you!
Written March 8, 2019
There is no place to boondock there, and you have to be careful because that area is the Navajo reservation. I do recommend Homolovi State Park though for camping. It's about 6 miles away, the campground is VERY reasonable ($18.00 per night which includes water and electric PLUS they have FREE showers). That also includes the admission for the ruins.
Written August 13, 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Pennsylvania
free
Written May 9, 2017
Can you walk IN the little painted desert, among the colors, and/or along the sides.
Written June 21, 2016
There are no gates/fencing in this area. I'm sure you could attempt to walk down but not sure how safe it would be. I wouldn't recommend. We just walked along the perimeter because we were traveling with a 18 month old. This "outlook" looks down into the little painted desert. As well I'm not sure if the mountains/hills are sand or harden clay.
Written June 27, 2016
How far is the Little Painted Desert County Park from I-40 ? My husband & I plan to visit the Painted Desert National Park on our way from Walnut Canyon. But in case we are short on time to visit PD, we'd still love to see the Painted Desert & willing to make the detour to this county park.
Written March 28, 2016
Without looking it up on Google maps for fairly precise driving times, my recollection from our recent trip is that it is a fairly short drive from I-40 up to Little Painted Desert on 87. We actually were driving south on 87 from the Hopi Cultural Centre with the plan of visiting Little Painted Desert and then Petrified Forest Park. Little Painted Desert is nice and it won't take very long. There is a short road into the park and along part of the rim. No trails to my knowledge and absolutely no services (including picking up the garbage that is left or that blows to the park - it is rather disappointing to see. There is a painted desert in Petrified Forest Park as well. We didn't have time to do all of this park thoroughly so only saw the painted desert portion from the road as we were driving through. We did stop and walk some of the areas and it is a very interesting park worth more time than we had. I would also recommend the small and gorgeous Coal Mine Canyon - which isn't a park but should be - it is a gem and was a real highlight of our canyon viewing. This little canyon is further north on 87, closer to Tuba City.
Written March 29, 2016
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