Petrified forest: Best route coming from tucson

Question

1. I will be coming from Tucson on May 5 with my elderly mother. I’ve heard that highway 60 (between Globe and Show Low) is a twisty road. I’ll be driving my mom’s class B motorhome. Recommend highway 60 or a different way?

2. We will just drive through. No hikes. But hoping to stop at visitor center. About 2 hours?

3. We will continue on to Colorado - Mesa verde. Any idea of campsites between PF and Gallup, New Mexico. ( we will turn north at Gallup to MV.

4. I’m budgeting 5 hours driving from Tucson to PF. Correct?

Answer

Driving from Tucson to Petrified Forest National Park with an elderly passenger in a Class B motorhome requires some planning, especially if you want a comfortable and safe route.

1. Route recommendation

Highway 60 between Globe and Show Low is indeed twisty and includes some mountain driving. While it is scenic, it may not be the most comfortable for a motorhome, especially if your mother prefers less winding roads. An alternative is to take the I-10 east from Tucson to I-17 north toward Flagstaff, then east on I-40 to the park. This route is a bit longer in miles but generally smoother and easier for larger vehicles.

Option A (Highway 60): Shorter distance, scenic, but twisty and may be tiring for a motorhome.
Option B (I-10 → I-17 → I-40): Slightly longer but more comfortable for a larger vehicle, less winding, more stops available for rest.

2. Petrified Forest visit

If you plan to drive through the park with just a short stop, 2 hours is reasonable. You can enter via the south entrance near I-40 and stop at the visitor center for maps and exhibits. Even without hiking, you can drive the main park road (about 28 miles) and make quick stops at major viewpoints like Blue Mesa, Newspaper Rock, and Painted Desert overlooks.

Stop at the Petrified Forest Visitor Center for exhibits and a bathroom break.
Quick viewpoints: Blue Mesa, Newspaper Rock, Painted Desert Rim.
Total drive-through time (without long walks): ~2 hours.

3. Campsites between Petrified Forest and Gallup, NM

Driving east from the park, you’ll eventually reach Gallup, NM, before heading north to Mesa Verde. Some options for overnight stays include:

Petrified Forest / Painted Desert KOA (near Holbrook, AZ)
Hannagan Meadow Campground (a bit south, for a more scenic stop)
City or private RV parks in Gallup, NM, which have full hookups

4. Driving time from Tucson to Petrified Forest

Five hours is an optimistic estimate if taking the I-10 → I-17 → I-40 route, as the distance is approximately 350–360 miles. Realistically, with a motorhome and rest stops, it may take 6–6.5 hours. If you opt for the twisty Highway 60, it may be closer to 5.5–6 hours due to slower speeds on curves.

In summary, for comfort and safety with your mother, the I-10/I-17/I-40 route is likely the better choice, allow 6–6.5 hours driving, plan a 2-hour visit at the park, and book or scout campgrounds near Holbrook or Gallup for overnight stay.