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Where to play in the sand between Phoenix and Page?

My kid would love to play in the colorful painted desert soil. Where would be a good place to do this, along the drive from PHX to Page? Should we detour to the National Monument area?

The drive from Phoenix to Page offers several opportunities to explore colorful desert landscapes, but access to areas with safe, open sand where kids can play can be limited due to private land or fragile ecosystems. Detouring to certain public lands is your best option.

Some good options include:

  • Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert: Located near Holbrook, AZ, this park features stunning multicolored badlands. While the park emphasizes protecting the petrified wood and fragile formations, there are some open areas near pullouts where kids can experience the colorful soil safely. Note that digging or taking rocks is not allowed.
  • Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs area: Off US-89 north of Page, there are open sandy washes and colorful clay hills. Some areas are accessible without a permit, but popular spots like The Wave require permits. Still, the surrounding BLM land allows safe, low-impact play in the sand.
  • Little Painted Desert viewpoints: Along the way near Holbrook and the Petrified Forest area, there are scenic pullouts with small sandy areas where children can explore the colorful terrain without disturbing the environment.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable stop:

  • Check that the area is public land or designated for visitor access—avoid private property.
  • Bring water, sun protection, and hats, as the desert can get extremely hot, especially for kids.
  • Keep an eye on local signs regarding off-trail access, as some areas are ecologically sensitive.
  • Consider a short detour to Petrified Forest National Park; the Painted Desert scenic drive offers multiple pullouts perfect for a 15–30 minute stop to explore sand and colorful soils safely.

In summary, a detour to Petrified Forest National Park and some nearby BLM areas along US-89 is ideal for letting your child enjoy colorful desert soils while keeping within safe and legal areas.

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