Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona protects one of the world’s largest deposits of petrified wood – along with fossilized remains of ancient plants and early dinosaurs; abandoned pueblos and over 600 archeological sites scattered throughout the park; and badlands. Seven hikes (ranging from half a mile to three) afford experiences with of all of these things – though people are most interested in seeing petrified trees and stumps. The Blue Mesa trail will steer you through badland hills and petrified wood; Long Logs trail will take you past the largest concentration of petrified wood in the park; the Agate House trail leads you to a pueblo (perhaps 700 years old) made from petrified wood and agate; and the Painted Desert Rim trail will provide great views of the Painted Desert itself. The park is bisected by Interstate 40, which make this an easy one to visit if you are travelling through Arizona.
Examples of petroglyphs scattered throughout the park
Petroglyphs — and a beautiful vista
Cool petroglyphs!
This is where the antelope play
Lots of petrified wood
Much too heavy to take home (and illegal!)
