The Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona are just one destination. Taking the 28-mile drive through the park, it will take you about two to three hours (including stops and hikes) to see every little bit of beauty scattered in the park’s vast space.
The Petrified Forest National Park was established as a national monument in 1906 and later designated as a national park in 1962. The park is known for its unique geological formations, including a large number of petrified logs, as well as its cultural and archaeological history.
The park’s most famous feature is the petrified wood, which was formed over 200 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period. The logs were buried by sediment and volcanic ash, which preserved them and over time, replaced the organic material with minerals, resulting in the colorful, crystalline structures that can be seen today. The park has one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world, with logs that measure up to 200 feet in length.
In addition to the petrified wood, the park is also home to a variety of other geological formations, such as the painted desert badlands and the blue mesa formations, which are made up of layers of colorful rock and soil. These formations offer a stunning backdrop for hiking and photography.
The park is also rich in cultural and archaeological history. There are numerous ancient puebloan ruins and petroglyphs scattered throughout the park, some of which date back over 2,000 years. Visitors can learn about the history of the native peoples who lived in the region through exhibits at the park’s visitor center and ranger-led tours of the archaeological sites.
There are a variety of recreational activities available in the park, including hiking, backpacking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, coyotes, pronghorns, and the rare black-footed ferret.
Here’s what you are going to do when you visit the park:
At the Painted Desert Visitor’s Center, which is at the north entrance of the park, ask for a map.
As you begin the drive, prepare to see 13,000 years of human history and culture along the route.
The first stop is this painted landscape.
Puerco Pueblo
The Village on the Puerco Pueblo that dates back to 1300, is a 100+ room pueblo site located near the Puerco River, a major drainage that bisects the park.
Newspaper Rock
View the 650 petroglyphs, rock carvings made by Puebloan people between 650 and 2,000 years ago.
Stop in every station.
Every stop is different.
Historic Route 66
The National Park System contains a section of Historic Route 66.
The Painted Desert
Once you get to the true Painted Desert stop, enjoy it’s beauty by taking the 3-mile hike. I’ve noticed there were only a few people who took the hike down to the valley. They were missing a great experience — petrified woods scattered down the valley along the trail. While I was hiking, I remembered my trip at the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Read: Badlands National Park: “Que Lindo…Que Lindo”
Wonders at Crystal Forest
Again, hike! Follow the trail and be fascinated with the various sizes and variety of petrified logs in the area.
See the exhibits at the Rainbow Forest Museum
Located at the south entrance of the park the museum brings you back in time over 200 million years to the late Triassic epoch.
The park is a worthwhile side trip if you area passing along Interstate 40. Located in northeastern Arizona, it is about 50 miles from the New Mexico.
Overall, Petrified Forest National Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient history and geological wonders of the American Southwest. Its combination of geological, cultural, and recreational opportunities make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the region.
Here are the coordinates that you may need to get into the Petrified Forest National Park.
Painted Desert Visitor Center and Park Headquarters (north entrance)
Latitude: 35.06543746738773
Longitude: -109.78153824806213
Rainbow Forest Museum (south entrance)
Latitude: 34.81517743163217
Longitude: -109.86576497554779
Admission Fee.
Auto/7-day pass to PEFO $20.00
Bike/per person $10.00 (per person)
Motorcycle $10.00 (flat fee)
PEFO Annual Pass $30.00
Hours.
The park is open year round except Christmas, December 25.
Where to stay.
Find your hotel accommodation using this link: Find the Best Deals at hotels.com!
Address: P.O. Box 221, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 860289
Phone Number: 520-524-6228
Find your way.
See more of my Arizona travels.
See also: My other travel adventures.
