Of Arizona’s three national parks, Petrified Forest is the least visited. That’s a shame, since it is absolutely stunning. Though named after the fields of petrified wood, that’s only one reason to visit. Vibrant multi-layered and colorful sedimentary rocks look like few other places on earth.
Only a few hours from several other incredible sights, like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, Petrified Forest should be on everyone’s list if they’re on a road trip nearby. I visited in my converted Transit Connect campervan. There are a few things to know before you go.
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Petrified wood is the remains of a tree where the organic compounds in its cells have been replaced by minerals. So the result is stone but in the exact shape of a former tree.
In the Crystal Forest and a few other areas of the park, there are log-shaped stones that resemble a cut-down forest, just with the reds and whites of gems and stones.
Despite the name, Petrified Forest is not technically a forest. Despite its location in Arizona, it’s also not technically a desert. Classified as a “semi-arid grassland” there is very little natural shade, and it’s often quite dry. This is exacerbated by the altitude, with the park averaging 5,800 feet above sea level. Because of that altitude, it doesn’t get as hot as you might expect, but you should still bring a lot of water for any hikes. The National Park Service recommends 1 gallon per day, per person. There is water available at the Painted Desert Community Complex and its visitor’s center, which is near the north entrance, and the Rainbow Forest Museum, which is near the south entrance.
Depending which way you’re driving on Interstate 40 you might be better off entering the park from different entrances. Driving from the east, take exit 311 and drive south through the park. This entrance starts with the stunning Painted Desert and ends with the Crystal Forest and Giant Logs.
Driving from the west, headed east, you should take exit 285 onto U.S. Route 180 to enter the park from the south.
A lot of Petrified Forest’s beauty can be seen from a vehicle. Many more are accessible via paved paths. Some of these involve a fair amount of altitude gain, so they’re not particularly wheelchair friendly. If you or someone in your party isn’t overly mobile, it’s best to check with the park rangers when you arrive to learn more about specific hike options that are right for you.
There are easily-visible petroglyphs at the Puerco Pueblo trail, a spot that also features the remains of an ~800 year old Pueblo village. At its peak, this village was estimated to be the home of
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