First Amendment Activities

1st Amendment area: three people standing among trees and shrubs under a blue sky with white clouds.
1st Amendment area

NPS

First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views are allowed within the following established areas at Petrified Forest National Park listed below. For groups larger than 25 persons, a Special Use Permit (link to Special use permit application – will attach). is required. Groups less than 25 persons do not need a permit, but must remain in the designated areas listed below:

  • Painted Desert – The southwest side of the visitor center parking lot, in an area 140 feet by 20 feet. See Map F
  • Rainbow Forest – The eastern side of the picnic area parking lot, in an area 100 feet by 15 feet. See Map G


For further information please refer to the Superintendents Compendium.

Questions
Please reach out with any questions to:

e-mail us

Petrified Forest National Park
P.O. Box 2217
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028-2217
ATTN: Chief Ranger

928-524-6228 ext. 260

36 CFR §2.51 – PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views are allowed within the following established areas listed below. For groups larger than 25 persons, a Special Use Permit is required. Groups less than 25 persons do not need a permit, but must remain in the designated areas listed below.

  • Painted Desert - the southwest side of the visitor center parking lot, in an area 140 feet by 20 feet. See Map F.
  • Rainbow Forest - The eastern side of the picnic area parking lot, in an area 100 feet by 15 feet. See Map G.


Written applications for permits (groups larger than 25) must be received by the Superintendent at least 24 hours prior to the date desired for the event. The activity must not conflict with any scheduled NPS function or program.

No amplification of voice or sound will be allowed. Visitors will not be subjected to undue noise or physical contact. Signs are restricted to no larger than 3 foot by 3 foot in size. Visitors shall not be impeded in their progress to any portions of the park including public buildings, visitor centers, restaurants, parking areas, etc.

Last updated: November 19, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Petrified Forest National Park
P.O. Box 2217
Attn.:

Petrified Forest, AZ 86028-2217

Phone:

928 524-6228

Contact Us