Petrified Forest National Park is a national park in north-eastern Arizona’s Navajo and Apache counties. The Park, named after its large deposits of petrified wood, covers approximately 346 square miles and includes semi-desert shrub steppe as well as highly eroded and colourful Badlands.

This forest’s trees coexisted with dinosaurs. The majority of the petrified logs were previously assigned to an extinct species Araucarioxylon arizonicum, a presumed distant relative of Araucaria; however, new evidence indicates that these fascinating petrified log deposits represent a diverse range of conifer species.

Petrified logs in Petrified Forest National Park are coloured by minerals such as iron and manganese. A chemical known as silica also contributed to the transformation of the log’s interior into rock. This park’s petrified logs are hundreds of millions of years old.

Petrified Forest National Park

 

Thousands of logs litter a stretch of grassland in northeastern Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park. The logs may appear ordinary from a distance. They do, however, contain a surprise. The stumps’ gleaming, multicoloured interiors are made of rock, not wood! How did the trees become stone? It wasn’t with the assistance of a magician. The transformation, on the other hand, was the result of a natural process that occurred over millions of years.

When trees fell, they frequently landed in waterways. At the same time, active volcanoes in the area ejected ash into the rivers. The sunken logs absorbed silica, a chemical found in ash. This caused the stumps to petrify, or turn to stone, over time. And traces of minerals like iron and manganese coloured the rock centres of the logs.

Within the boundaries of Petrified Forest National Park, over 1200 archaeological sites have been discovered. The earliest inhabitants of the park, according to evidence, arrived over 12,000 years ago. Clovis and Folsom-type spear points made of Petrified wood are among the earliest Paleoindians artefacts discovered in the park.

The park is open every day except Christmas, with a seasonal schedule that varies slightly. It and its Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 9 to September 6, 2010, but it opened as early as 8 a.m. and closed as late as 5 p.m. the rest of the year.

The natural beauty of the area was both inspiring and humbling. When you are in the area, it is recommended that you take the tour. Take your time exploring the area and stopping at the recommended scenic spots.

You will not be let down. Be aware of the operating hours. It took us about 90 minutes to see all of the sights.

What is so special about Petrified Forest National Park Arizona?

The park contains one of the world’s largest and most colourful concentrations of petrified wood, multi-hued Chinle Formation badlands, Painted Desert portions, historic structures, archaeological sites, and displays of 225-million-year-old fossils.

How long does it take to go through the petrified National Forest?

It takes about an hour to drive the 28 miles (45 km) from one end of the park to the other. We recommend that you choose which end of the park is most interesting to you and spend your time there, leaving the rest for another visit. Allow at least a couple of hours to drive Blue Mesa Road, take a hike, and stop at the spectacular viewpoints along the way.

What is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?

The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is in the fall when the wildflowers are still in bloom but the summer crowds and monsoon season aren’t as intense. Fall temperatures in the Petrified Forest are moderate, and the months of September and October are less rainy.

Is it illegal to take a rock from the Petrified Forest?

This one-of-a-kind landscape has been shaped by millions of years of weathering and erosion. It’s no surprise that visitors want to bring a piece of the Petrified Forest with them. However, this is illegal and harmful to the environment.

Are there bears in the Petrified Forest?

Ravens are the most visible wildlife you’ll likely see during the day at Petrified Forest National Park, but they’re far from the only ones. Elk, pronghorn antelope, and black bear have all been reported to pass through the park.

Conclusion

Petrified Forest is an unexpected destination that offers far more than the world-famous petrified logs. You can see so much just by driving and stopping at overlooks. Consider what you can see if you walk one of the short-maintained trails or hike into the backcountry on one of the Off the Beaten Path routes!

 

There are fossils, badlands, buttes and mesas, ancient petroglyphs, wildlife and wildflowers, and more than a hundred miles of vistas! If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, the Painted Desert is ideal for hiking and contemplation.