Arizona is home to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country known as the Painted Desert. This vast area of colorful badlands stretches for more than 160 miles and passes some spectacular sights, such as the Grand Canyon National Park and the Wupatki National Monument. And in the middle of this vivid desert is a hidden treasure that shows an environment of more than 200 million years.
The Petrified Forest National Park is a living example of our history, revealing the largest concentrations of brilliantly colored petrified wood in the world. Visiting is like traveling back in time to a land that is still radically different from the one we know.
Story
More than 13,000 years of human history can be found in the Petrified Forest. From prehistoric ancestors to the Civil Conservation Corps, many humans have left their mark on this park.
Ancient people may not have understood that the petrified wood around it was actually fossilized logs, and instead had their own beliefs. The Navajos believed that the trees were the bones of Yietso, a great monster that their ancestors killed. The Paiute believed that the logs were arrows of Shinuav, their god of thunder. However, giant pieces of petrified wood lie scattered revealing a colorful timeline. Visitors can get an up-close look at the quartz that replaced much of the wood weave around 200 million years ago.
The park is also home to various human artifacts, including hammers, blades, and pottery. The oldest dwelling site is believed to have been occupied just before 500 AD. Taking a tour of the park is like taking a tour of our history; from the petroglyphs of the ancestral Pueblo villages to the Painted Desert Inn built by the Civilian Conservations Corps.
When to visit
This is a national park that can be visited at any time of the year. Summer storms intensify the beauty of the landscape, while colder fall temperatures draw huge crowds. Winter is also exceptionally beautiful, covering the Painted Desert in sparkling snow. Spring is also a great time to see the desert in bloom, although keep in mind that it tends to be quite windy.
Get there
Driving to the park is your best option, considering that you can also tour the Grand Canyon National Park, iconic Route 66, and other points of interest along I-40. If traveling from I-40 West, take Exit 311. You can drive 28 miles through the park and then connect to Highway 180. Those traveling from I-40 East should take Exit 285 toward Holbrook and then take Highway 180 south to the south of the park. Entry.
Another option is to take I-17 North and 4 East, passing through Flagstaff, AZ. The closest airports are in Phoenix, AZ and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Annual National Park passes can also be used to waive entry fees, otherwise both drivers and foot travelers will have to pay (different) admission fees.
Main attractions
The park path stretches 28 miles and visitors should plan at least half a day if not a full day to tour the park. The Petrified Forest allows time for a scenic drive with opportunities to get out and explore on foot. Here are some of the highlights:
- Rainbow Forest Museum – Located within the Rainbow Forest, one of the four major concentrations of petrified logs.
- Old Faithful – The largest fossil record whose diameter is 9.5 feet.
- Solitary Logs – A large concentration of logs, some reaching lengths of 120 feet.
- Agate House: an eight-room house built by ancient people more than 800 years ago.
- Blue Mesa Trail – Get out of the car and explore this mile-long route through the scenic badlands.
- Punta Pintado: The highest point of view of the Painted Desert.
- Newspaper Rock: two large rocks covered by more than 600 petroglyphs.
- Painted Desert Inn – Originally built by the Civilian Conservations Corps, the hotel now serves as a museum and a National Historic Landmark.
accommodation
Night backpacking is allowed in the wilderness areas, but since the Petrified Forest National Park does not have camping facilities, most visitors choose to stay outside the park walls. Nearby campgrounds include a KOA and RV park in Holbrook, located about 16 miles to the west. Nearby accommodations are also located in Holbrook, including the American Best Inn and the Holbrook Comfort Inn.
Areas of interest outside the park
Walnut Canyon National Monument: Located in Flagstaff, AZ, this area was the home of the Sinagua Indians. The cliff dwellings are accessible by footpaths and this historical monument is about 107 kilometers west of the petrified forest.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – Also located in Flagstaff, this monument displays volcanic eruptions that occurred sometime between 1040 and 1100. Among the traces of lava flow and ash, visitors can see signs of wildlife, trees, and wildflowers .
Wupatki National Monument: The Wupatki Town was the largest of its kind less than 800 years ago and served as a meeting place for different cultures. It is located in Flagstaff at the same exit for the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Grand Canyon National Park: Part of the Painted Desert, the Grand Canyon remains one of the most popular and iconic national parks. The 18 mile wide gorge is a must see for everyone.
El Morro National Monument: Two ancestral Puebloan ruins exhibit pre-Columbian Indian inscriptions. It is open all year round and is located about 125 miles from the Petrified Forest.
El Malpaís National Monument and National Conservation Area: The name actually means “the wastelands” and shows lava beds, ice caves and Puebloan ruins. Activities include camping, hiking, and horseback riding.
